There is only one consolation to set against them⁠—a consolation that ought to comfort me, and that does comfort me. All the graces and gentleness of her character⁠—all the frank affection of her nature⁠—all the sweet, simple, womanly charms which used to make her the darling and delight of everyone who approached her, have come back to me with herself. Of my other impressions I am sometimes a little inclined to doubt. Of this last, best, happiest of all impressions, I grow more and more certain every hour in the day.

Let me turn, now, from her to her travelling companions. Her husband must engage my attention first. What have I observed in Sir Percival, since his return, to improve my opinion of him?