I was grateful and happy.

The assurance I received from the first glance of Ernest, that what his mother had promised to reveal had made no change in his feelings; that the love, which I had almost begun to think an illusion of my own brain, was a real existing passion, filled me with unspeakable joy.

The warnings of Mrs.Linwood had no power to weaken my faith and hope.

Had she not told me that _her_ love had died?
I felt that mine was immortal.
The impression made by my mother's sad history was still too fresh and deep, and too much of the languor of indisposition still clung to me to admit of my being gay; but it was pleasant to hear the cheerful laugh and lively conversation, showing that the tide of social life ran clear and high.

Several new guests had arrived, whom I had not seen before, to whom I was introduced; but as Dr.Harlowe commanded me to be a good girl and remain quietly in a corner, a passing introduction limited the intercourse of the evening.
Just as the doctor was taking leave, a loud, merry ha, ha! came leaping up the steps, followed by the amazonian form of Madge Wildfire, leaning on the arm of Mr.Regulus.
"Angels and ministers of grace defend us!" exclaimed Ernest.
"Shade of Esculapius!" cried the doctor, recoiling from the threshold.
"Glad to see me?
I know you are.