And I think it would be far better if we could talk matters out together, and arrange every thing plainly and openly before you go home to the Manse, if you prefer the Manse, though I could have wished it was to the Castle." "To the Castle!" "Yes.

I intended to have brought you back from Edinburgh--all of you," added the earl, with emphasis, "to the Castle for life!" Helen was much affected.

She made no attempt either to resist or to reply.
"But now, my dear, you shall do exactly what you will about the home you choose--exactly what makes you most content, and your father also.
Only listen to me just for five minutes, without interrupting me.

I never could bear to be interrupted, you know." Helen faintly smiled, and Lord Cairnforth, in a brief, business-like way, explained how, the day after his coming of age, he had deliberately, and upon what he--and Mr.Menteith likewise-- considered just grounds, constituted her, Helen Cardross, as his sole heiress; that he had never altered his will since, and therefore she now was, and always would have been, and her children after her, rightful successors to the Castle and broad acres of Cairnforth.
"The title lapses," he added: "there will be no more Earls of Cairnforth.

But your boy may be the founder of a new name and family, that may live and rule for generations along the shores of our loch, and perhaps keep even my poor name alive there for a little while." Helen did not speak.