She was pleasantly reminded of the words of worldly wisdom which she had addressed to her daughter on the day of Sydney's arrival at Mount Morven.

"The good qualities of that unfortunate young creature" (she had said) "can _not_ have always resisted the horrid temptations and contaminations about her.

Hundreds of times she must have lied through ungovernable fear." Elevated a little higher than ever in her own estimation, Mrs.
Presty took Sydney's arm, and led her down to breakfast with motherly familiarity.

Linley met them at the foot of the stairs.

His mother-in-law first stole a look at Sydney, and then shook hands with him cordially.