She had a purpose in this; for the earnest desire expressed by Mrs.Elder to have her daughter with her, had set Mrs.Markland to thinking about the ways and means of effecting the wished-for object.

The poor woman was made happier by her visit.
It was near sundown when the carriage was observed approaching through the long, shaded avenue.

Mrs.Markland and all the children stood in the porch, to welcome the husband and father, whose absence, though even for the briefest period, left for their hearts a diminished brightness.

As the carriage drew nearer, it was seen to contain two persons.
"There is some one with your father," said Mrs.Markland, speaking to Fanny.
"A gentleman--I wonder who it can be ?" "Your Uncle George, probably." "No; it isn't Uncle George," said Fanny, as the carriage reached the oval in front of the house, and swept around towards the portico.
"It's a younger man; and he is dressed in black." Further conjecture was suspended by the presence of the individual in regard to whom they were in doubt.

He was a stranger, and Mr.
Markland presented him as Mr.Lyon, son of an old and valued business correspondent, residing in Liverpool.