But I subsequently saw Lydia in London.

She soon spoke to me very freely, and I found that she almost hated me because she thought I was planning to marry her sister to Mr.Egremont.I also found out--I am old, you know, Bell, and can be very deceitful--that Lydia, no more than her sister, suspects serious feeling on his part.

She scorned the suggestion of such a possibility.

It is her greatest hope that Thyrza may yet marry Mr.Grail.' 'And what can you tell me of Thyrza herself ?' 'She has been ill, but seems now in very fair health, The day she spent with Lydia evidently did her a vast amount of good.

That natural affection is an invaluable resource to her, and, if I am not mistaken, it will be the means of recovering happiness for me.