And, indeed, it caused no gloom.

For there was little love in the attentions the Mortimers paid him; and in what other hope could Hesper have married, than that one day she would be free, with a freedom informed with power, the power of money! But to the mother's suggestions as to possible changes in the future, the daughter never responded: she had no thought of plans in common with her.
Strange rumors came abroad.

Godfrey Wardour heard something of them, and laughed them to scorn.

There was a conspiracy in that house to ruin the character of the loveliest woman in creation! But when a week after week passed, and he heard nothing of or from her, he became anxious, and at last lowered his pride so far as to call on Mary, under the pretense of buying something in the shop.
His troubled look filled her with sympathy, but she could not help being glad afresh that he had escaped the snares laid for him.

He looked at her searchingly, and at last murmured a request that she would allow him to have a little conversation with her.
She led the way to her parlor, closed the door, and asked him to take a seat.