Mrs.Woodward could not bear that her daughter should be married altogether, as it were, in the dark; but for many considerations the guests were to be restricted in numbers, and the mirth was to be restrained and quiet.
When the list was made out, Katie saw it, and saw that Charley's name was not there.
'Mamma,' she said, touching her mother's arm in her sweet winning way, 'may not Charley come to Linda's wedding?
You know how fond Harry is of him: would not Harry wish that he should be here ?' Mrs.Woodward's eyes immediately filled with tears, and she looked at her daughter, not knowing how to answer her.

She had never spoken to Katie of her love; no word had ever passed between them on the subject which was now always nearest to the hearts of them both.

Mrs.Woodward had much in her character, as a mother, that was excellent, nay, all but perfect; but she could not bring herself to question her own children as to the inward secrets of their bosoms.

She knew not at once how to answer Katie's question; and so she looked up at her with wistful eyes, laden with tears.
'You may do so, mamma,' said Katie.

Katie was already a braver woman than her mother.