“Ah! you are there, my dear young lady,” said the widow, smiling faintly; “when I first waken, I'm always in dread of finding myself again in that horrible asylum.” “You need never be afraid of that,” returned Winifred, affectionately; “my father will take care you never leave him more.” “Oh! how much I owe him!” said the widow, with fervour, “for bringing me here, and removing me from those dreadful sights and sounds, that would have driven me distracted, even if I had been in my right mind. And how much I owe _you_, too, dearest Winifred, for your kindness and attention. Without you I should never have recovered either health or reason. I can never be grateful enough. But, though _I_ cannot reward you, Heaven will.” “Don't say anything about it, dear Mrs. Sheppard,” rejoined Winifred, controlling her emotion, and speaking as cheerfully as she could; “I would do anything in the world for you, and so would my father, and so would Thames; but he _ought_, for he's your nephew, you know. We all love you dearly.” “Bless you! bless you!” cried Mrs. Sheppard, averting her face to hide her tears. “I mustn't tell you what Thames means to do for you if ever he gains his rights,” continued Winifred; “but I _may_ tell you what my father means to do.” “He has done too much already,” answered the widow. “I shall need little more.” “But, _do_ hear what it is,” rejoined Winifred; “you know I'm shortly to be united to your nephew,--that is,” she added, blushing, “when he can be married by his right name, for my father won't consent to it before.” “Your father will never oppose your happiness, my dear, I'm sure,” said Mrs. Sheppard; “but, what has this to do with me?” “You shall hear,” replied Winifred; “when this marriage takes place, you and I shall be closely allied, but my father wishes for a still closer alliance.” “I don't understand you,” returned Mrs. Sheppard. “To be plain, then,” said Winifred, “he has asked me whether I have any objection to you as a mother.” “And what--what was your answer?” demanded the widow, eagerly. “Can't you guess?” returned Winifred, throwing her arms about her neck. “That he couldn't choose any one so agreeable to me.” “Winifred,” said Mrs. Sheppard, after a brief pause, during which she appeared overcome by her feelings,--she said, gently disengaging herself from the young girl's embrace, and speaking in a firm voice, “you must dissuade your father from this step.” “How?” exclaimed the other. “Can you not love him?” “Love him!” echoed the widow. “The feeling is dead within my breast. My only love is for my poor lost son. I can esteem him, regard him; but, love him as he _ought_ to be loved--that I cannot do.” “Your esteem is all he will require,” urged Winifred.