above all, by the chance words he let fall, which discontented her with a
life of shift and disguise, and revealed to her the instincts of her own
holiest truthful nature. An alliance between Lionel Haughton and Sophy
seemed to me the happiest possible event that could befall Guy Darrell.
The two branches of his family united--a painful household secret
confined to the circle of his own kindred--granting Sophy's claim never
perfectly cleared up, but subject to a tormenting doubt--her future
equally assured--her possible rights equally established--Darrell's
conscience and pride reconciled to each other. And how, even but as
wife to his young kinsman, he would learn to love one so exquisitely
endearing!" [Lady Montfort paused a moment, and then resumed.] "When
I heard that Mr. Darrell was about to marry again, my project was
necessarily arrested."

"Certainly," said George, "if he formed new ties, Sophy would be less an
object in his existence, whether or not he recognised her birth. The
alliance between her and Lionel would lose many of its advantages; and
any address to him on Sophy's behalf would become yet more ungraciously
received."

LADY MONTFORT.--"In that case I had resolved to adopt Sophy as my own
child; lay by from my abundant income an ample dowry for her; and whether
Mr. Darrell ever know it or not, at least I should have the secret joy to
think that I was saving him from the risk of remorse hereafter--should
she be, as we believe, his daughter's child, and have been thrown upon
the world destitute;--yes, the secret joy of feeling that I was
sheltering, fostering as a mother, one whose rightful home might be with
him who in my childhood sheltered, fostered me!"

GEORGE (much affected).--"How, in proportion as we know you, the beauty