"I can not, father," he replied, "for I have promised Dora to
make her my wife. I can not break my word. You yourself could
never counsel that."

"In this case I can," said Lord Earle, eagerly. "That promise is
not binding, even in honor; the girl herself, if she has any
reason, can not and does not expect it."

"She believed me," said Ronald, simply. "Besides, I love her,
father."

"Hush," replied Lord Earle, angrily, "I will listen to no more
nonsense. There is a limit to my patience. Once and for all,
Ronald, I tell you that I decidedly forbid any mention of such a
marriage; it is degrading and ridiculous. I forbid you to marry
Dora Thorne; if you disobey me, you must bear the penalty."

"And what would the penalty be?" asked the heir of Earlescourt,
with a coolness and calmness that irritated the father.

"One you would hardly wish to pay," replied the earl. "If, in
spite of my prayers, entreaties, and commands, you persist in
marrying the girl, I will never look upon your face again. My
home shall be no longer your home. You will lose my love, my
esteem, and what perhaps those who have lured you to ruin may
value still more, my wealth. I can not disinherit you; but, if
you persist in this folly, I will not allow you one farthing.
You shall be to me as one dead until I die myself."