would, Lord Earle believed, convert his son in time. He did not
oppose him, knowing that all opposition would but increase his
zeal. It was a bitter disappointment to him, but he bore it
bravely, for he never ceased to hope.

A new trouble was dawning for Lord Earle, one far more serious
than the Utopian dream of his son; of all his sorrows it was the
keenest and the longest felt. Ronald fell in love, and was bent
on marrying a simple rustic beauty, the lodge keeper's daughter.

Earlescourt was one of the fairest spots in fair and tranquil
England. It stood in the deep green heart of the land, in the
midst of one of the bonny, fertile midland counties.

The Hall was surrounded by a large park, where the deer browsed
under the stately spreading trees, where there were flowery dells
and knolls that would charm an artist; a wide brook, almost broad
and deep enough to be called a river, rippled through it.

Earlescourt was noted for its trees, a grand old cedar stood in
the middle of the park; the shivering aspen, the graceful elm,
the majestic oak, the tall, flowering chestnut were all seen to
greatest perfection there.

Art had done much, Nature more, to beautify the home of the
Earles. Charming pleasure gardens were laid out with unrivaled
skill; the broad, deep lake was half hidden by the drooping
willows bending over it, and the white water lilies that lay on
its tranquil breast.