He was fond of his sister?
he wished Howel well?
he did not know whether it would be best to let them marry or not.

If they were prevented, they would either take French leave, or hate all their relations?
and if they married they would not be happy, he was sure.

But he knew it was wrong to deceive his parents.

In this uncertain state of mind they reached home, through, the little hawthorn lane before described.

Mrs Prothero was on the look out for them, she having returned from chapel and missed them.
Netta ran past her mother into the house, without replying to her question concerning her headache, and Rowland at once related to his mother what he had seen of Howel and Netta's private interview, which that good lady was very much distressed to hear..