The estate when he came of age had already had some years to recover itself, and as he went from capital to capital, he was quite content to draw from it an income which enabled him to shine with peculiar brilliance among his brethren.

He had visited Bragton once since the old squire's death, and had found the place very dull and uninviting.

He had no ambition whatever to be master of the U.R.U.; but did look forward to a time when he might be Minister Plenipotentiary at some foreign court.
For many years after the old man's death, Lady Ushant, who was then a widow, was allowed to live at Bragton.

She was herself childless, and being now robbed of her great-nephews and nieces, took a little girl to live with her, named Mary Masters.

It was a very desolate house in those days, but the old lady was careful as to the education of the child, and did her best to make the home happy for her.