They plainly saw the nature of Harry's feelings towards her, and were far from displeased thereat.

They recollected that Simon had said to the engineer on his first visit to the old cottage, "How can our son ever think of marrying?
Where could a wife possibly be found suitable for a lad whose whole life must be passed in the depths of a coal mine ?" Well! now it seemed as if the most desirable companion in the world had been led to him by Providence.

Was not this like a blessing direct from Heaven?
So the old man made up his mind that, if the wedding did take place, the miners of New Aberfoyle should have a merry-making at Coal Town, which they would never during their lives forget.

Simon Ford little knew what he was saying! It must be remarked that another person wished for this union of Harry and Nell as much as Simon did--and that was James Starr, the engineer.
Of course he was really interested in the happiness of the two young people.

But another motive, connected with wider interests, influenced him to desire it.
It has been said that James Starr continued to entertain a certain amount of apprehension, although for the present nothing appeared to justify it.