The Silent Woman by Eliza Margaret Jane Humphreys

Rufus Myrthe took Molly for the promised walk, and learnt from her that she was well content with the change in her circumstances and condition of life. The rules of the Home were few but strict. The girls were expected to observe them, and by doing so gained certain extra privileges. Their education was of a useful description, such as would serve them in after life, and open their minds to more rational forms of enjoyment than "junketting," flirting, and wasting time or money.

Of Miss Lavinia's special kindness to herself, the girl spoke with passionate gratitude; and her avowed willingness to do anything her benefactress desired pleased Rufus mightily. That is to say, it pleased him until the disagreeable memory of what lay before the girl in the future rushed across his mind. Try as he might he could not forget that. But he gave Molly no hint. He was determined that some peace and comfort should fall into her hapless lot. If his hand had to dash it aside in the future, at least that same hand should build a barricade for the present. On the whole, he went away that evening well content with the promised success of his project. Come ill, come well, Molly Udale would at least face life on better terms than those she had resigned.