And what do men strive for ?--to enjoy: but why not enjoy without the toil?
And relinquish Constance?
Ay, it is but one woman lost!" So ended the soliloquy of a man scarcely of age.

The world teaches us its last lessons betimes; but then, lest we should have nothing left to acquire from its wisdom, it employs the rest of our life in unlearning all that it first taught.
Meanwhile, the time approached when Lord Erpingham was to arrive at Wendover Castle; and at length came the day itself.

Naturally anxious to enjoy as exclusively as possible the company of her son the first day of his return from so long an absence, Lady Erpingham had asked no one to meet him.

The earl's heavy travelling-carriage at length rolled clattering up the court-yard; and in a few minutes a tall man, in the prime of life, and borrowing some favourable effect as to person from the large cloak of velvet and furs which hung round him, entered the room, and Lady Erpingham embraced her son.

The kind and familiar manner with which he answered her inquiries and congratulations was somewhat changed when he suddenly perceived Constance.