your life. A pleasant prospect that for a young fellow of your talents."

"I must marry my cousin?" questioned Noël.

"Yes, that is imperative."

"What is she like?"

"Oh, she is like herself, no one else I ever saw. I'm not good at
descriptions, especially of ladies. She has yellow hair, I can tell you
that."

"Yellow hair--yes, yes; but her disposition, her character? Is she
amiable?"

"Well, I don't think that amiable is quite the word to apply to Lady
Margaret. She is self-reliant, sensible, a thorough woman of business,
and the very one to help you on in the world."

"Oh, indeed; but if I ever possess Dunmorton I shall be helped on
enough."

"What! have you no wish for more? Would you not like to go into
Parliament to make a name for yourself? Your cousin could help you in
that. They say she used to write all her father's speeches, and very good
speeches they were."

"And Marie Gourdon?" said Noël slowly. "What of her? How can I leave
her?"