capitals, two lovely, supple arms flew wide out like a soaring
albatross's wings, and then went all round the sad mother, and gathered
every bit of her up to the generous young bosom.

"I know it, I know it!" cried Mrs. Dodd, kissing her; I shall never lose
my daughter while she breathes. But I am losing my child. You are turning
to a woman visibly: and you were such a happy child. Hence my misgivings,
and these weak tears, which you have dried with a word: see!" And she
contrived to smile. "And now go down, dearest: he may be impatient; men's
love is so fiery."

The next day Mrs. Dodd took Julia apart and asked her whether there was
an answer from Mr. Hardie. Julia replied, from Alfred, that Jane had
received a letter last night, and, to judge by the contents, Mr. Hardie
must have left London before Alfred's letter got there. "He is gone to
see poor Uncle Thomas."

"Why do you call him 'poor?'"

"Oh, he is not very clever; has not much mind, Alfred says; indeed,
hardly any."

"You alarm me, Julia!" cried Mrs. Dodd. "What? madness in the family you
propose to marry into?"

"Oh no, mamma," said Julia, in a great hurry; "no madness; only a little
imbecility."

Mrs. Dodd's lip curved at this Julian answer; but just then her mind was
more drawn to another topic. A serious doubt passed through her, whether,