Indeed, I _was_ grateful to her; for serious consideration of my past conduct had led me to think that she might have only judged wisely in her opinion as to what was the best course to adopt for her daughter's future happiness.
Now, she had amply atoned for her former harshness, as I esteemed it, by her permission for our correspondence; and, notwithstanding that she never responded to my note, I regarded her thenceforth in the light of a friend.
On reading over the vicar's letter after getting this happy business concluded, I saw--what had escaped my notice at first--that he had not been content with merely exerting his influence with Mrs Clyde for my benefit.

His good offices had gone much further.

He had again spoken for me to his patron, the bishop--who, you may recollect, was the means of my getting that appointment to the Obstructor General's department; and my old friend wrote that they had great hopes of being able to procure me a nice little secretaryship under Government, which would probably bring me in enough income to marry upon .-- Only think! What do you say to that, eh?
It was true, though; or the vicar would never have expressed himself so confidently.
He added, that it was best for me to remain where I was in the meanwhile, persevering in my resolution of living a steady life, and that all might turn out well for me.

He said, that my interests should not be neglected in my absence; and, that there would be no use of my returning until I got something certain.
His words, and this amicable settlement of matters between my darling and myself, awoke a new life in me.

I did not despair any longer.