She was glad when her mother rose, and the ladies moved into the drawing-room,--glad to escape from Eveleen's quick eye, and to avoid Mary's clear sense,--glad to talk to comparative strangers,--glad of the occupation of going to prepare Amabel for her journey. This lasted a long time,--there was so much to be said, and hearts were so full, and Amy over again explained to Charlotte how to perform all the little services to Charles which she relinquished; while her mother had so many affectionate last words, and every now and then stopped short to look at her little daughter, saying, she did not know if it was not a dream.
At length Amabel was dressed in her purple and white shot silk, her muslin mantle, and white bonnet. Mrs. Edmonstone left her and Laura to have a few words together, and went to the dressing-room. There she found Guy, leaning on the mantelshelf, as he used to do when he brought his troubles to her. He started as she entered.
'Ought I not to be here? he said. 'I could not help coming once more. This room has always been the kernel of my home, my happiness here.'
'Indeed, it has been a very great pleasure to have you here.'
'You have been very kind to me,' he proceeded, in a low, reflecting tone. 'You have helped me very much, very often; even when--Do you remember the day I begged you to keep me in order, as if I were Charles? I did not think then--'
He was silent; and Mrs. Edmonstone little able to find words, smiling, tried to say,--'I little thought how truly and how gladly I should be able to call you my son;' and ended by giving him a mother's kiss.
'I wish I could tell you half,' said Guy,--'half what I feel for the kindness that made a home to one who had no right to any. Coming as a stranger, I found--'
'We found one to love with all our hearts,' said Mrs. Edmonstone. 'I have often looked back, and seen that you brought a brightness to us all--especially to poor Charles. Yes, it dates from your coming; and I can only wish and trust, Guy, that the same brightness will rest on your own home.'
'There must be brightness where she is,' said Guy.
'I need not tell you to take care of her,' said Mrs. Edmonstone, smiling. 'I think I can trust you; but I feel rather as I did when first I sent her and Laura to a party of pleasure by themselves.'