Eight o'clock, and no Henry.

"Ah!" thought the mother, "that one word of mine has had this effect already." She prepared an exquisite little supper.

She made her own toilet with particular care; and, when all was ready, she sat down and comforted herself by reading his letters, and comparing his love with the cavalier behavior of so many sons in this island, the most unfilial country in Europe.
At half past ten Henry came up the stairs, not with the usual light elastic tread, but with slow, hesitating foot.

Her quick ear caught that too, and her gentle bosom yearned.

What, had she frightened him?
He opened the door, and she rose to receive him all smiles.