let him abide by it. You have disregarded my wish, Lady Helena, in
even naming the matter to me. Let all mention of it cease. I have no
son. One thing remember--I am not hard upon you--you can go where you
like, see whom you like, and spend what money you will, and as you
will."

Lady Earle was not long in availing herself of the permission. There
was great excitement at the Elms one morning, caused by the receipt of
a letter from Lady Earle saying that she would be there on the same day
to visit the son's wife and children.

The little ones looked up to her with wondering eyes. To them she was
like a vision, with her noble face and distinguished air.

Stephen Thorne and his wife received the great lady not without some
trepidation; yet they were in no way to blame. The fatal marriage had
been as great a blow to them as to Lord and Lady Earle. With the quiet
dignity and graceful ease that never deserted her, Lady Earle soon made
them feel at home. She started in utter surprise, when a quiet, grave
woman, on whose face sweetness and sullen humor were strangely mingled,
entered the room. This could not be pretty, coy, blushing Dora! Where
were the dimples and smiles? The large dark eyes raised so sadly to
hers were full of strange, pathetic beauty. With sharp pain the
thought struck Lady Earle, "What must not Dora have suffered to have
changed her so greatly!" The sad eyes and worn face touched her as no
beauty could have done. She clasped Dora in her arms and kissed her.

"You are my daughter now," she said, in that rich, musical voice which
Dora remembered so well. "We will not mention the past; it is
irrevocable. If you sinned against duty and obedience, your face tells
me you have suffered. What has come between you and my son I do not
seek to know. The shock must have been a great one which parted you,
for he gave up all the world for you, Dora, years ago. We will not
speak of Ronald. Our care must be the children. Of course you wish
them to remain with you?"

"While it is possible," said Dora, wearily. "I shall never leave home
again; but I can not hope to keep them here always."

"I should have liked to adopt them," said Lady Earle; "to take them
home and educate them, but--"

"Lord Earle will not permit it," interrupted Dora, calmly. "I know--I
do not wonder."

"You must let me do all I can for them here," continued Lady Earle; "I
have made all plans and arrangements. We will giv