The tone was equivocal--Mrs Norberry felt it to be so, and looked up in his face.--The doctor understood the look: it was one of doubt and inquiry; and, as it was his interest to sooth her in order to carry his point, he exclaimed, 'We men are, indeed, too apt to pride ourselves in our supposed superior wisdom: but I, you will own, my dear, have always done your sex justice; and you in particular.' 'You have been a good husband indeed, James Norberry,' replied his wife in a faltering voice; 'and I believe you to be, to every one, a just and honourable man.' 'And I dare say, dame, I do no more than justice to you, when I think you will approve and further a plan for Adeline Mowbray's good, which I am going to propose to you.' Mrs Norberry withdrew her hand; but returning it again:--'To be sure, my dear,' she cried. 'Any thing you wish; that is, if I see right to--' 'I will explain myself,' continued the doctor gently. 'I have promised this poor girl to endeavour to bring about a reconciliation between her and her mother; but though Adeline wishes to receive her pardon on any terms, and even, if it be required, to renounce her lover, I fear Mrs Mowbray is too much incensed against her, to see or forgive her.' 'Hard-hearted woman!' cried Mrs Norberry. 'Cruel, indeed!' cried her daughters. 'But a mother ought to be severe, very severe, on such occasions, young ladies,' hastily added Mrs Norberry: 'but go on, my dear.' 'Now it is but too probable,' continued the doctor, 'that Glenmurray will not live long, and then this young creature will be left to struggle unprotected with the difficulties of her situation; and who knows but that she may, from poverty, and the want of a protector, be tempted to continue in the paths of vice?' 'Well, Dr Norberry, and what then?--Who or what is to prevent it?--You know we have three children to provide for; and I am a young woman as yet.' 'True, Hannah,' giving her a kiss, 'and a very pretty woman too.' 'Well, my dear love, anything we can do with prudence I am ready to do; I can say no more.' 'You have said enough,' cried the doctor exultingly; 'then hear my plan: Adeline shall, in the event of Glenmurray's death, which though not certain seems likely--to be sure, I did not inquire into the nature of his nocturnal perspirations, his expectoration, and so forth--' 'Dear papa, you are so professional!' affectedly exclaimed his youngest daughter. 'Well, child, I have done; and to return to my subject--if Glenmurray lives or dies, I think it advisable that Adeline should go into retirement to lie-in. And where can she be better than in my little cottage now empty, within a four-miles ride of our house? If she wants protection, I can protect her; and if she wants money before her mother forgives her, you can give it to her.' 'Indeed, papa,' cried both the girls, 'we shall not grudge it.'