His wife tried her utmost to comfort and console him, but for some years he lived only to repine at his lot.

Lady Helena devoted herself to him.
Earlescourt became the center and home of famous hospitality; men of letters, artists, and men of note visited there, and in time Lord Earle became reconciled to his fate.

All his hopes and his ambitions were now centered in his son, Ronald, a fine, noble boy, like his father in every respect save one.

He had the same clear-cut Saxon face, with clear, honest eyes and proud lips, the same fair hair and stately carriage, but in one respect they differed.

Lord Earle was firm and inflexible; no one ever thought of appealing against his decision or trying to change his resolution.