mother, and thank her for rearing you up so that you may step from
poverty into ease with a head erect. You will give to Mrs. Haughton this
letter: for yourself, your inclinations seem to tend towards the army.
But before you decide on that career, I should like you to see something
more of the world. Call to-morrow on Colonel Morley, in Curzon Street:
this is his address. He will receive by to-day's post a note from me,
requesting him to advise you. Follow his counsels in what belongs to the
world. He is a man of the world,--a distant connection of mine, who will
be kind to you for my sake. Is there more to say? Yes. It seems an
ungracious speech; but I should speak it. Consider yourself sure from
me of an independent income. Never let idle sycophants lead you into
extravagance by telling you that you will have more. But indulge not the
expectation, however plausible, that you will be my heir."

"Mr. Darrell--oh, sir--"

"Hush! the expectation would be reasonable; but I am a strange being.
I might marry again,--have heirs of my own. Eh, sir,-0why not?" Darrell
spoke these last words almost fiercely, and fixed his eyes on Lionel as
he repeated,--"Why not?" But seeing that the boy's face evinced no
surprise, the expression of his own relaxed, and he continued calmly,--
"Enough; what I have thus rudely said was kindly meant. It is a treason
to a young man to let him count on a fortune which at last is left away
from him. Now, Lionel, go; enjoy your spring of life! Go, hopeful and
light-hearted. If sorrow reach you, battle with it; if error mislead
you, come fearlessly to me for counsel. Why, boy, what is this?--tears?
Tut, tut."

"It is your goodness," faltered Lionel. "I cannot help it. And is there
nothing I can do for you in return?"