He has a very beautiful, tender nature, and a great talent.

If he could only grow strong, and more balanced! Perhaps he will, in this calm, English air." Francis Markrute's face changed, as it always did with the mention and discussion of Mirko--whose presence in the world was an ever-rankling proof of his loved sister's disgrace.

All his sense of justice--and he was in general a just man--could never reconcile him to the idea of ever seeing or recognizing the child.

"The sins of the fathers"-- was his creed and he never forgot the dying Emperor's words.

He had lost sight of his niece for nearly two years after his sister's death.