Next to my father, we boys reverenced the doctor; he was our tutor, in a measure, when we were staying at Hartledon; at least, tutor to poor George and Val; they used to read with him." "And you would hint at some alliance between you and this Anne Ashton!" cried the countess-dowager, in a fume; for she thought she saw a fear that the great prize might slip through her fingers.

"What sort of an alliance, I should like to ask?
Be careful what you say, Hartledon; you may injure the young woman." "I'll take care I don't injure Anne Ashton," returned Lord Hartledon, enjoying her temper.

"As to an alliance with her--my earnest wish is, as it was my father's, that time may bring it about.

Val there knows I wish it." Val glanced at his brother by way of answer.

He had taken no part in the discussion; his slight lips were drawn down, as he balanced a pair of scissors on his forefinger, and he looked less good-tempered than usual.
"Has she red hair and sky-blue eyes, and a doll's face?
Does she sit in the pew under the reading-desk with three other dolls ?" asked the foaming dowager.
Lord Hartledon turned and stared at the speaker in wonder--what could be so exciting her?
"She has soft brown hair and eyes, and a sweet gentle face; she is a graceful, elegant, attractive girl," said he, curtly.