very rich and perhaps she is, too. How lovely it will be if they are
able to live at Wrayth. How lovely to have it opened again--to go and
stay there!"

"Yes, indeed," said Mary.

Lady Tancred awaited her son in the small front morning-room. She was
quite as much a specimen of an English aristocrat as he was, with her
brushed-back, gray hair, and her beautiful, hard, fine-featured face.
She was supremely dignified, and dressed well and with care. She had
been brought up in the school which taught the repression of all
emotion--now, alas! rapidly passing away--so that she did not even tap
her foot from the impatience which was devouring her, and it was nearly
eleven o'clock before Tristram made his appearance!

He apologized charmingly, and kissed her cheek. His horse, Satan, had
been particularly fresh, and he had been obliged to give him an extra
canter twice round the Row, before coming in, and was breakfast
ready?--as he was extremely hungry! Yes, breakfast was ready, and they
went into the dining-room where the old butler awaited them.

"Give me everything, Michelham," said his lordship, "I am ravenous. Then
you can go. Her ladyship will pour out the coffee."

The old servant beamed upon him, with a "glad to see your lordship's
well!" and, surrounding his plate with hot, covered, silver dishes,
quietly made his exit, and so they were alone.

Lady Tancred beamed upon her son, too. She could not help it. He looked
so completely what he ought to look, she thought--magnificently healthy