Ethelrida was twenty-six yesterday, and she is a young woman of strong and steady character, unlikely to be influenced by any foolish emotion.

Therefore, if you have been fortunate enough to find favor in her eyes--if the girl loves you, in short, my dear fellow, then I have nothing to say .-- Let us ring and have a glass of port!" And presently the two men, now with the warmest friendship in their hearts for one another, mounted the staircase to Lady Ethelrida's room, and there found her still talking to Anne.
Her sweet eyes widened with a question as the two appeared at the door, and then she rushed into her father's arms and buried her face in his coat; and with his eyeglass very moist, the old Duke kissed her fondly--as he muttered.
"Why, Ethelrida, my little one.

This is news! If you are happy, darling, that is all I want!" So the whole dreaded moment passed off with rejoicing, and presently Lady Anningford and the fond father made their exit, and left the lovers alone.
"Oh, Francis, isn't the world lovely!" murmured Ethelrida from the shelter of his arms.

"Papa and I have always been so happy together, and now we shall be three, because you understand him, too, and you won't make me stay away from him for very long times, will you, dear ?" "Never, my sweet.

I thought of asking the Duke, if you would wish it, to let me take the place from him in this county, which eventually comes to you, and I will keep on Thorpmoor, my house in Lincolnshire, merely for the shooting.