Earlescourt was full of bustle and activity. The young heir was
leaving suddenly; boxes and trunks had to be packed. He did not
say where he was going; indeed those who helped him said
afterward that his face was fixed and pale, and that he moved
about like one in a dream.

Everything was arranged for Ronald's departure by the night mail
from Greenfield, the nearest station to Earlescourt. He took
with him neither horses nor servants; even his valet, Morton, was
left behind. "My lady" was ill, and shut up in her room all day.

Valentine Charteris sat alone in the drawing room when Ronald
came in to bid her farewell. She was amazed at the unhappy
termination of the interview. She would have gone instantly to
Lord Earle, but Ronald told her it was useless--no prayers, no
pleadings could change his determination.

As Ronald stood here, looking into Valentine's beautiful face, he
remembered his mother's words, that she cared for him as she
cared for no other. Could it be possible that this magnificent
girl, with her serene, queenly dignity, loved him? She looked
distressed by his sorrow. When he spoke of his mother, and she
saw the quivering lips he vainly tried to still, tears filled her
eyes.

"Where shall you go," she asked, "and what shall you do?"

"I shall go to my wife at once," he replied, "and take her
abroad. Do not look so pained and grieved for me, Miss Charteris
I must do the best I can. If my income will not support me, I