The next move was his departure for Paris; close upon which, within a fortnight, occurred the calamity to his brother George.

He came back from Paris to see him in London, whither George had been conveyed for medical advice, and there then seemed a chance of his recovery; but it was not borne out, and the ill-fated young man died.

Lord Hartledon's death was the next.

He had an incurable complaint, and his death followed close upon his son's.

Lord Elster became Earl of Hartledon; and he, Val, heir-presumptive.
Heir-presumptive! Val Elster was heir to all sorts of follies, but-- "Good morning to your lordship!" The speaker was a man in a smock-frock, passing with a reaping-hook on his shoulder.