I mean to see the maiden's house before I return to mine own." A glowing colour was in Gertrude's face.

Now she began to have a clearer idea why Lady Scrope was there.

Reuben had been to her once, and had asked her approval of their plan to expend the bulk of the dowry she had, with such eccentric and unaccountable generosity, bestowed upon the bride, upon the purchase of the house which had been for many generations in the family of her father, and which she loved well from old associations.
Reuben was going to set up in business for himself now.

He had long been contemplating this step, since his father's trade was increasing steadily.

They would now be partners, Reuben taking one branch of the industry, and leaving his father the other.