But the mother did bethink herself, in the solitude of
her own room, of those last words, and did acknowledge a lack of
something for which her heart had sighed. She had boasted to her
sister that she had nothing to regret as to her daughter's education;
but now, when she was alone after her success, did she feel that she
could still support herself with that boast? For, be it known, Mrs.
Grantly had a heart within her bosom and a faith within her heart.
The world, it is true, had pressed upon her sorely with all its
weight of accumulated clerical wealth, but it had not utterly crushed
her--not her, but only her child. For the sins of the father, are
they not visited on the third and fourth generation? But if any such
feeling of remorse did for awhile mar the fullness of Mrs. Grantly's
joy, it was soon dispelled by the perfect success of her daughter's
married life. At the end of the autumn the bride and bridegroom
returned from their tour, and it was evident to all the circle at
Hartletop Priory that Lord Dumbello was by no means dissatisfied with
his bargain. His wife had been admired everywhere to the top of his
bent. All the world at Ems, and Baden, and at Nice, had been stricken
by the stately beauty of the young viscountess. And then, too, her
manner, style, and high dignity of demeanour altogether supported
the reverential feeling which her grace and form at first inspired.
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