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 to importune her with a repetition of his former declaration, however much his attachment might have strengthened—but he hoped she saw that her advice had not been thrown away, and that, at least, she no longer looked upon him as artificial and untrue.

"I hope we are both improved, and improving," she said kindly. "Who could do otherwise under the influence of these good-hearted people," and then she turned the conversation on the Hopkinsons, and the approaching marriages.

It had been her intention to settle herself at the sea-side after a fortnight's stay at Pleasance; but Janet and Rose dwelt with such melancholy energy on the loneliness of their parents, and the comfort that she would be to their mother after they were gone, that she consented to stay till the return of the Harcourts from their wedding tour. Janet would not be able to leave Chesford, but Rose would then be within reach of Dulham; perhaps in her heart, Rachel dreaded to begin