that they may not have preserved my letter, so that we cannot feel
sore that he was to blame.'

'If he had been worth anything at all, he would have moved heaven and
earth to find her!' cried Nuttie; 'and you said yourself it was all
_that_ Mark's doing!'

'He seems to be a very upright and generous young man, that Mr. Mark
Egremont,' said Miss Headworth, a whole romance as to Nuttie's future
destiny sweeping across her mind in an instant, with a mental
dispensation to first cousins in such a case. 'I think you will find
him a staunch champion even against his own interests.'

Perceptions came across Nuttie. 'Oh, then I am a sort of lost
heiress, like people in a story! I see! But, Aunt Ursel, what do
you think will happen?'

'My dear child, I cannot guess in the least. Perhaps the Egremont
property will not concern you, and only go to male heirs. That would
be the best thing, since in any case you must be sufficiently
provided for. Your father must do that.'

'But about mother?'

'A proper provision must be insisted on for her,' said Miss
Headworth. 'It is no use, however, to speculate on the future. We
cannot guess how Mr. Mark Egremont's communication will be received,
or whether any wish will be expressed for your mother's rejoining
your father. In such a case the terms must be distinctly understood,
and I have full trust both in Mr. Mark and in Lady Kirkaldy as her