I could not but whisper a word of hope, and tell him how wondrous tame the wild bird had latterly become, and how that her mother had wondered whether thoughts of love had entered into her head." Lady Frances smiled, half shaking her head the while, yet not entirely displeased even with such an admission as that.

She had been watching her daughter closely of late, and she had tried to think as she wished to think; the consequence being that she had reached a very decided conclusion in accordance with her desires, and had small doubts as to the state of her daughter's heart.
"I verily believe the child's sadness has come from the fear that her youth will stand as a bar to her happiness.

She knows Sir Robert is old enough to be her father, and fears that his attentions are paid as to a child.

Thus has she striven to grow more wise, more womanly, more fit to be the mistress of his house.
Methinks I see it all.

And what is the next thing to be done?
Must we speak with the child ?" "Ay, verily; for I have promised an answer to Sir Robert before many days have passed.