There is no need that he should know anything whatever--of my father, or of what you have told me--we shall never see him again." Except once, there was neither hesitation nor faltering in her voice, but her meaning could not be misunderstood.

For a moment Mrs.Costello felt her convictions and her judgment shaken; if, after all, this love, which Lucia was about to lose, should be true and perfect?
if Percy should be capable of knowing all, and yet cherishing and prizing her?
Ought pride, ought her own opinion of him, to stand between her child and possible happiness and safety?
But she saw in Lucia's face that underneath all her love, the same feeling, that his would not stand this shock, lay deep in her heart, and the doubt died away as suddenly as it had risen.
"Do as you will, my child," she said.

"But think well first.

I, who have failed where I most desired to succeed, cannot venture now to advise you." Lucia bent down and kissed her.

"Poor mother!" she said tenderly, "you have thought too much for me, and I have never known what a burden I was to you.