She smiled as if she knew him, and when he bent over her and kissed her, murmured some faint words which he could not understand.
Gladys gave her some jelly which she swallowed, and soon afterwards she slept again.
'The crisis is over, she will recover, I hope, Mr Rowland,' said Gladys.
'You can go to bed, sir--you had better.

The mistress will want you to-morrow, and you can be of no use to-night.' Rowland felt the force of this, and again kissing his mother's forehead, and shaking Gladys by the hand, he went downstairs to Owen, who he found asleep on the sofa in the parlour.

Supper was awaiting him, and Owen and he were soon seated over the fire, discussing their mother's illness and Netta's conduct.
They had not met for three or four years, and there was much to say.

Few brothers loved one another more tenderly than they did, despite the dissimilarity of habits, tastes, and occupations, and when they were together, all the secrets of their hearts were usually unfolded.
Although Owen's wild roving nature had caused Rowland much anxiety, still he had perfect confidence in his honest, open character.

Owing to early education Owen was not deficient in general acquirements.