the highest in England."

He lifted his white, erect head haughtily, and looked Carl Walraven full
in the face. Mr. Walraven held out his hand and grasped the baroness's
cordially.

"My dear Sir Roger, I am proud and happy beyond expression. Mollie may
consider herself a fortunate girl to escape the wild young scapegraces
who dangle after her, and find a husband in a man like you. She stands
alone in the world, poor child, without father or mother. You, Sir
Roger, must be all the world to her now."

"Heaven helping me, I will!" the old man said, earnestly.

"My whole life shall be devoted to her happiness."

"And when is it to be?" Mr. Walraven asked, with a smile. "I presume you
and Mollie have settled that?"

"In two months. It will be spring then; and we can start at once for
Wales. I long to show my fairy bride old Trajenna Castle."

"We shall miss her very much:" and Carl Walraven sighed in good earnest
as he said it. "She has been the sunlight of our home. My poor old
mother will almost break her heart: but it is for Mollie's good, and
all selfish considerations must give way. You are aware, Sir Roger, she
has no dower?"

"She needs none," Sir Roger said, proudly. "My fortune is princely; her
settlements shall be as ample as though she were heiress to millions. I