"But all this is absurd. If you show your affection for them he will love you far more, and when _he_ is devoted to them it shows he's devoted to you. Don't be foolish, Mrs. Hillier, you have had a sort of crisis. Do let it end there. Let things be different. He will be delighted to see you cheerful and jolly again. It's all in your own hands, really." "Thank you. It was a shame to bother you." She got up to go. "May I tell you, later on ... how things are? I shall follow your advice _exactly_!" Mary was looking at her now in a kind of worshipping gratitude and trust. "Yes, do. But I know it will be all right. Only be a little patient just now. ... He will miss you awfully, I know," said Bertha, smiling. "Oh! Will he _really_? How _sweet_ of you to say that! Good-bye, Bertha. Dear Bertha, you have been kind. I'm _so_ sorry." Tears came to her eyes again, but as she passed the little mirror she began to laugh. "To think I should have come to see you for the first time got up like a dame in a pantomime. How grotesque!" They both laughed. Laughter altered and improved Mary wonderfully. It was a faculty she never exercised. She was always much too serious. "Do you know, I haven't one woman friend," said Mary. "Yes, you have, _now_." Bertha pressed her hand. "Good-bye! ... Oh, Bertha, do you _really_ think he'll miss me?" "Of course he will! Awfully!" "Thanks. Good-bye!" * * * * * "Poor girl!" Bertha said to herself as Mary left the house. CHAPTER XXXVI PLAIN SAILING Whether or not it was through meeting Nigel, at any rate, Rupert became exceedingly anxious to see Madeline again. It would have happened anyhow, but perhaps a little more slowly, since Nigel's rapid views may have had some influence on that more deliberate young man. * * * * * However that may be, in the early autumn Madeline, almost overcome with joy, was married to her adored and cultured instructor. She always remained his painstaking pupil; and he seemed highly gratified with her general progress; while she continued to be equally pleased with his mode of instruction and anxious not to neglect her education in any way. * * * * * When Nigel joined his wife he found her decidedly improved. Perhaps he really had missed the fact that he was of far more importance to her than to anyone else in the world. She never conquered her jealousy; but she learnt to conceal it, and thus to keep the peace; the children became gradually a source of mutual interest that was a real tie between them; in fact it grew in time into a positive hobby and a cause of so much pride and satisfaction as to be rather a bore to many of their friends. * * * * *