"I would wish to be so," said Lady Midlothian. "Blood is thicker than water, my dear; and I know no earthly ties that can bind people together if those of family connection will not do so. Your mother, when she and I were young, was my dearest friend."

"Blood is thicker than water, my dear," said Lady Midlothian, "and no earthly ties are as strong as those of family. Your mother was my dearest friend."
