The clock in the corner, and the soft sobbing of the flame on the hearth, were the only sounds in the parlour.

She sewed on quietly, to the end of her work; then let it drop on her lap, and sat still.

Her cheek leaned itself softly against John's hair, and in her eyes, which seemed so intently contemplating the little frock, I saw large bright tears gather--fall.
But her look was serene, nay, happy; as if she thought of these beloved ones, husband and children--her very own--preserved to her in health and peace,--ay, and in that which is better than either, the unity of love.

For that priceless blessing, for the comfort of being HIS comfort, for the sweetness of bringing up these his children in the fear of God and in the honour of their father--she, true wife and mother as she was, would not have exchanged the wealth of the whole world.
"What's that ?" We all started, as a sudden ring at the bell pealed through the house, waking John, and frightening the very children in their beds.

All for a mere letter too, brought by a lacquey of Lord Luxmore's.