That in a youthful composition there should be a cavalier ancestry, a
family much given to dying of consumption, and a young marquess cousin
is, perhaps, inevitable. Lord Rotherwood was Mr. Mohun's ward, and
having a dull home of his own, found his chief happiness as well as all
the best influences of his life, in the merry, highly-principled,
though easy-going life at his uncle's, whom he revered like a father,
while his eager, somewhat shatter-brained nature often made him a butt
to his cousins. All this may account for the tone of camaraderie with
which the scattered members of the family meet again, especially around
Lilias, who had, with her cleverness and enthusiasm, always been the
leading member of the group.

It should, perhaps, also be mentioned that Lord Rotherwood's greatest
friend was also Lilias's favourite brother, Claude, who had become a
clergyman and died early. Aunt Adeline had been the spoilt child and
beauty of the family, the youngest of all.

C. M. YONGE.

March 8th, 1885.




CONTENTS

CHAPTER I. WHAT WILL BECOME OF ME?
CHAPTER II. THE MERRIFIELDS
CHAPTER III. GOOD BYE