It was hard to lose her brave boy for a few months or even years; but he would return, his father must forgive him, her sorrow would be but for a time.

But Lord Earle, inflexible and unflinching, knew that he should never in life see his son again.
No one knew what Lord Earle suffered; as Valentine Charteris said, he was too proud for scenes.

He dined with Lady Charteris and her daughter, excusing his wife, and never naming his son.

After dinner he shut himself in his own room, and suffered his agony along.
* * * * * Earlescourt was full of bustle and activity.

The young heir was leaving suddenly; boxes and trunks had to be packed.