But in reference to the church, the question, to Hester's thinking, was very different, 'Mamma,' she said, 'if you are not there, it will be a lasting misery to me.' 'How can I go there when I would give so much to save you from going there yourself ?' This was a terrible thing for a mother to say to her own child on the eve of her wedding, but it had been now said so often as to have lost something of its sting.

It had come to be understood that Mrs.Bolton would not allow herself to give any assent to the marriage, but that the marriage was to go on without such assent.

All that had been settled.

But still she might go to the church with them and pray for good results.

She feared that evil would come, but still she might wish for good,--wish for it and pray for it.
'You don't want me to be unhappy, mamma ?' 'Want!' said the mother.