"You will find it true in every particular," she said; "and remember
always that it is your own fault I have told it."

With that parting shot she quitted the room.

"My poor boy," said Sir John, "this is a terrible blow to you."

"I am afraid," said Lady Thesiger, "that this abominable woman has
spoken the truth. I always thought poor Miles had something on his
mind--some secret. I told him so one day, and he did not deny it."

My darling came up to me with her sweet, pale face and outstretched
hands.

"Never mind, Edgar," she said. "If you lose Crown Anstey I will try to
love you all the more to make up for it."

What could I do but bless her and thank her? Yet I knew--God help me, I
knew in losing my fortune I lost her!




CHAPTER XII.


The little party that had so gayly assembled in the old library broke up
in the deepest gloom. Sir John was the only one who seemed at all
incredulous.