She was grateful to John.

It was a relief and joy to feel that it was she who was to blame, and not Peter, whose heart was in the right place, after all.
And yet, though John was so clever and had such an experience of human nature, it was the doctor who had put the key into his hands, which presently unlocked Lady Mary's confidence.
"You mustn't think, John, that I don't understand what it will be like later, when Peter comes of age.

Of course this house will be his, and he is not the kind of young man to be tied to his mother's apron-string.

He always wanted to be independent." "It is human nature," said John.
"I am not blind to his faults," said Lady Mary, humbly, "though they all think so.

It is of little use to try and hide them from you, who will see them for yourself directly my darling comes back.