Their mother received them back with great, and as they fancied, with singular, affection.

She was beginning to be anxious about them, she said.

Then her kindness gave these happy souls a pang it never gave them before.
Since the above events scarce a fortnight had elapsed; but such a change! Camille sunburnt and healthy, and full of animation and confidence; Josephine beaming with suppressed happiness, and more beautiful than Rose could ever remember to have seen her.

For a soft halo of love and happiness shone around her head; a new and indefinable attraction bloomed on her face.

She was a wife.