He had a hale, hearty old life.
Surely the Lord in His goodness would permit him to look on Nelly's happiness and his grandchildren! It was another thing to think of Nelly's children when the match was not of the Dowager's making.
He inspired Nelly with something of his own hopefulness.

She saw that he had some design which she was not to share.

Well, she could trust his love to move mountains for her happiness.

The evening was far better than she could have hoped for, and she went to bed comforted.
"Early breakfast, Nell," he said as they parted.

"I've ordered it for eight o'clock.