In her countenance was no annoyance--no sharp pain, that even in that first bridal hour she was not first and sole, as every woman may righteously wish to be.

There came to her no sting of regret, scarcely unnatural, to watch another woman's children already taking the first and best of that fatherly love which it would be such exquisite joy to see lavished upon her own.

Alas! poor Christian! all these things passed over her as the wind passes over a bare February tree, stirring no emotions, for there were none to stir.
Her predominating feeling was a vague sense of relief in the presence of the children, and of delight in the exceeding beauty of the youngest.
"This is Oliver.

I remember you told me his name.

Will he come to me?
children generally do," said she in a shy sort of way, but still holding out her arms.