darkened his father's hall, those feelings which had been deadened by
his long intercourse with the world resumed their old sway, and he
paused, and looked around the dilipidated mansion with eyes dimmed with
regretful tears.

"And it was to become the mistress of such a home as this, that Elinor
Wildegrave--my beautiful Elinor--sold herself to such a man as Mark
Hurdlestone, and forgot her love--her plighted troth to me!"

So thought Algernon Hurdlestone, as he followed the parish girl up the
broad uncarpeted oak stairs to his brother's apartment, shocked and
astonished at the indications of misery and decay which on every side
met his gaze. He had heard much of Mark's penurious habits, but he had
deemed the reports exaggerated or incorrect; he was now fully convinced
that they were but too true. Surprised that Mrs. Hurdlestone did not
appear to receive him, he inquired of Ruth, "if her mistress were at
home?"

"At home!--why, yes, sir; it's more than her life's worth to leave home.
She durst not go to church without master's leave."

"And is she well?"

"She be'ant never well; and the sooner she goes the better it will be
for her, depend upon that. She do lead a wretched life, the more's the
pity; for she is a dear kind lady, a thousand times too good for the
like o' him."

Algernon sighed deeply, while the girl delighted to get an opportunity
of abusing her tyrannical master, continued: