She would go down to him full of joy, though not full of mirth, and would confess to him frankly, that in receiving the assurance of his love, she had received everything that had seemed to have any value for her in the world.

Hitherto she had been independent;--she had specially been careful to show to him her resolve to be independent of him.

Now she would put aside all that, and let him know that she recognised in him her lord and master as well as husband.

To her father had been left no strength on which she could lean, and she had been forced therefore to trust to her own strength.

Now she would be dependent on him who was to be her husband.