One surprise, however, had to be confessed, at least to herself.

After her interview with her future son-in-law, Mrs.Boyce realised that for the first time for fifteen years she was likely to admit a new friend.

The impression made upon him by her own singular personality had translated itself in feelings and language which, against her will as it were, established an understanding, an affinity.

That she had involuntarily aroused in him the profoundest and most chivalrous pity was plain to her.

Yet for the first time in her life she did not resent it; and Marcella watched her mother's attitude with a mixture of curiosity and relief.
Then followed talk of an early wedding, communications from Lord Maxwell to Mr.Boyce of a civil and formal kind, a good deal more notice from the "county," and finally this definite statement from Aldous Raeburn as to the settlement he proposed to make upon his wife, and the joint income which he and she would have immediately at their disposal.
Under all these growing and palpable evidences of Marcella's future wealth and position, Mrs.Boyce had shown her usual restless and ironic spirit.