"You shall be my wife, Dora," he said, proudly, "and not his.
This very evening I will tell my father, and ask his consent to
our marriage. My mother is sure to love you--she is so kind and
gracious to every one. Do not tremble, my darling; neither Ralph
Holt nor any one else shall take you from me."

She was soon comforted! There was no bound or limit to her faith
in Ronald Earle.

"Go home now,"he said, "and tomorrow my father himself shall see
you. I will teach that young farmer his place. No more tears,
Dora--our troubles will end tonight."

He went with her down the broad walk, and then returned to the
Hall. He walked very proudly, with his gallant head erect,
saying to himself that this was a free country and he could do
what he liked; but for all that his heart beat loudly when he
entered the drawing room and found Lord and Lady Earle. They
looked up smilingly at him, all unconscious that their beloved
son, the heir of Earlescourt, was there to ask permission to
marry the lodge keeper's daughter.


Chapter V

Ronald Earle had plenty of courage--no young hero ever led a
forlorn hope with more bravery that he displayed in the interview
with his parents, which might have daunted a bolder man. As he
approached, Lady Earle raised her eyes with a languid smile.