No piers had yet been raised for the great design of the Suspension Bridge--that vast dream of Brunel's, which for so many years seemed fated to remain only a dream; while the naked buttresses, in all their huge proportions, stood like giants on either side of the gorge, connected only by a rod of iron, over which a few people with strong nerves were allowed to pass in a sliding basket. Gilbert looked out on a scene which can hardly be equalled for the unusual beauty of its salient points. "We shall be happy to live here, mother," Gilbert said. "You have no misgivings, my dear son." "No, it is clear I must make my living in some practical way, and why not by the law?" "There is the drudgery of the office first, and then the passing of examinations." "I have weighed all the pros and cons with you before; why do you go over them again?" This was said in an irritable tone. "I would as soon be a man of law as anything; and I want to make a home"--he paused--"for _you_, and for one whom I have found under the Mendips." His mother had seated herself by his side, on a bench which stood in the verandah or balcony. "It can't be thought of yet," he said; "she is Falconer's sister! He never told me he had a sister, or, rather, I should say, _such_ a sister. How should he be able to see what she is? I don't want to talk sentiment, mother, but I will say I did not know how beautiful and simple hearted she was, and how her beauty was supreme with no fine dress, till I saw Gratian just now." His mother laid her hand on his. "What is her name, Gilbert?" "Joyce: it suits her as no other name could. Joyce!" he repeated. "Joy, Sunshine, Birdie; they call her all these names at Fair Acres. Some day, when we are settled at Bristol, will you ask her to visit you, mother? and when you see her you will love her." "I shall love her for your sake," his mother said, gently. They had been all in all to each other for twenty-three years; and though Mrs. Arundel had told herself a hundred times that she desired nothing so much for Gilbert as the love of a true hearted woman, still she was conscious of a little thrill of pain; for she must, in the natural course of things, be _second_ now. "I could not describe her if I tried," he went on, with lover-like enthusiasm. "Then there is such strength in her as well as sweetness. Last night we were attacked by a ruffian whom her father, who is a magistrate, had offended, and her presence of mind and calmness were wonderful. The man knocked me down, and I returned the compliment, which is the cause of my stupidity to-day." His mother scanned his face anxiously. "Have you told her of your love?" "Not formally; but I feel she must know it." "One word more, Gilbert, has she the _real_ spring of all beauty and goodness within. Has she chosen the right path, following her Master?" Gilbert was silent for a minute.