He was to return home, and try by every argument in his power to soften his father and win his consent.

If he still refused, then time would show him the best course.

Come what might, Dora was his; nothing on earth could part them.

He cared for very little else.

Even if the very worst came, and his father sent him from home, it would only be for a time, and there was Dora to comfort him.
He returned to Earlescourt, and though his eyes were never raised in clear, true honesty to his father's face, Lord Earle saw that his son looked happy, and believed the cloud had passed away.
Dora was to remain at Eastham until she heard from him.