CHAPTER V.
WHEREIN A WELL-MEANING MOTHER ACTS VERY FOOLISHLY.
Returned from her unsuccessful embassage, Lady Dillaway determined--kind, calm soul--to hide the bitter truth from poor Maria, that her father was inexorably adverse.

A scene was of all things that indentical article least liked by the quiescent mother; and that her warm-hearted daughter would enact one, if she heard those echoes of paternal love, was clearly a problem requiring no demonstration.
Accordingly, with well-intentioned kindliness, but shallowish wisdom, and most questionable propriety, Maria was persuaded to believe that her father had hem'd and haw'd a little, had objected no doubt to Henry's lack of money, but would certainly, on second thoughts, consider the affair more favourably: "You know your father's way, my love; leave him to himself, and I am sure his better feeling will not fail to plead your cause: it will be prudent, however, just for quiet's sake, to see less of Henry Clements for a day or two, till the novelty of my intelligence blows over.
Meantime, do not cry, dear child; take courage, all will be well; and I will give you my free leave to console your Henry too." "Dearest, dearest mamma, how can I thank you sufficiently for all this?
But why may I not now at once fly to papa, tell him all I feel and wish cordially and openly, and touch his dear kind heart?
I am sure he would give us both his sanction and his blessing, if he only knew how much I love him, and my own dear Henry." "Sweet child," sighed out mamma, "I wish he would, I trust he would, I believe indeed he will some day: but be advised by me, Maria, I know your father better than you do; only keep quiet, and all will come round well.

Do not broach the subject to him--be still, quite still; and, above all, be careful that your father does not yet awhile meet Mr.
Clements." "But, dearest mamma, how can I be so silent when my heart is full?
and then I hate that gloomy sort of secresy.

Do let me ask papa, and tell him all myself.

Perhaps he himself will kindly break the ice for me, now that your dear mouth has told him all, mamma.