know."

"Desmond, my boy, I like you the better for it. You are a fine
fellow, and I thoroughly respect you. But let us talk sensibly about
this. Though your sister's rank is high--"

"Oh, I don't want to talk about rank. That's all bosh, and I don't
care about it. But Hap House is a small place, and Clara wouldn't be
doing well; and what's more, I am quite sure the countess will not
hear of it."

"You won't approve, then?"

"No, I can't say I will."

"Well, that is honest of you. I am very glad that I have told you at
once. Clara will tell her mother, and at any rate there will be no
secrets. Good-bye, old fellow."

"Good-bye," said the earl. Then they shook hands, and Fitzgerald
rode off towards Hap House. Lord Desmond pondered over the matter
some time, standing alone near the lodge; and then walked slowly
back towards the mansion. He had said that rank was all bosh; and in
so saying had at the moment spoken out generously the feelings of
his heart. But that feeling regarded himself rather than his sister;
and if properly analyzed would merely have signified that, though
proud enough of his own rank, he did not require that his friends
should be of the same standing. But as regarded his sister, he
certainly would not be well pleased to see her marry a small squire
with a small income.