'Don't!' burst out Sophy, almost the first word Albinia had heard
from her; but no more passed, for Mr. Kendal came in, and Lucy's
conversation instantly was at an end.'

Before him she was almost as silent as the others, and he seldom
addressed himself to her, only inquiring once after her grandmamma's
health, and once calling Sophy out of the way when she was standing
between the fire and--He finished with the gesture of command,
whether he said 'Your mamma,' none could tell.

It was late, and the meal was not over before bed-time, when Albinia
lingered to find remedies for Gilbert's toothache, pleased to feel
herself making a commencement of motherly care, and to meet an
affectionate glance of thanks from Mr. Kendal's eye. Gilbert, too,
thanked her with less shyness than before, and was hopeful about the
remedy; and with the feeling of having made a beginning, she ran down
to tell Mr. Kendal that she thought he had hardly done justice to the
children--they were fine creatures--something so sweet and winning
about Lucy--she liked Gilbert's countenance--Sophy must have
something deep and noble in her.

He lifted his head to look at her bright face, and said, 'They are
very much obliged to you.'

'You must not say that, they are my own.'

'I will not say it again, but as I look at you, and the home to which
I have brought you, I feel that I have acted selfishly.'