At dinner that day Maurice had to take his new position as host.

It was, as suited the circumstances, a grave quiet party, but still there was something about the manner of the guests, and even in the fact of their being _his_ guests, which was unconsciously consoling to Maurice as being a guarantee of his freedom and independence.

Next morning the house was all sombre bustle and preparation.

Lady Dighton and her husband arrived.

She, to have one last look at the dead, he to join Maurice in the office of mourner; and at twelve o'clock, the long procession wound slowly away through the park, and the great house stood emptied of the old life and ready for the commencement of the new one.
The new one began, indeed, after those who had followed Mr.Beresford to the grave had come back, and assembled in the great unused drawing-room to hear the will read.