passages, felt that his father might be less startling and more
persuasive, but began to understand what James must have suffered in
committing his affairs to another.

The Earl found Mary in what had been her mother's sitting-room,
striving to brace her resolution by recalling the conversation that
had taken place there on a like occasion. But alas! how much more
the heart had now to say! How much it felt as if the only shelter or
rest in the desolate world was in the light of the blue eyes whose
tender sunshine had been on her for one instant!

Yet she began firmly--'If you please, would you be so kind as to let
me go to Aunt Melicent?'

'By-and-by, my dear, when you think fit.'

'Oh, then, at once, and without seeing any one, please!'

'Nay, Mary,' with redoubled gentleness, 'there is one who cannot let
you go without seeing him. Mary, you will not disappoint my poor boy
again. You will let him be an amendment in my scheme.'

'You have been always most kind to me, but you cannot really like
this.'

'You forget that it has been my most ardent wish from the moment I
saw you what only your mother's child could be.'

'That was before-- No, I ought not! Yours is not a family to bring
disgrace into.'