Mary and Lydia had not come together since the former's triumph over her friend.

Lydia still visited the shop to see Mr.Boddy, but generally at the times when Mary was away at prayer-meetings.
There was no sign that she suffered at all, the good Lyddy; the trouble of those days before Christmas was lost in the anticipation of the great change that was soon to come upon her sister's life.

To that she had resolved to look forward cheerfully; the better she came to know Gilbert, the warmer grew her affection for him.

They were made to be friends; in both were the same absolute honesty of character, the same silent depths of tenderness, the same stern self-respect.

Brother and sister henceforth, with the bond of a common love which time, whether it brought joy or sorrow, could but knit closer.
From the first there was, of course, an understanding that the marriage should take place as soon as the house was ready for Gilbert's tenancy.
Thyrza went secretly and examined the dwelling from the outside, more than once.