Earle. "When I saw you last,
Lionel, you were not much more than twelve years old, and I gave you a
'tip' the day you went back to Eton. Charlie Villiers was with you."

"Then you are Lord Earle," returned Lionel. "I came to London purposely
to see you," and his frank face flushed, and he held out his hand in
greeting.

"I have been anxious to see you," said Lord Earle; "but I have not been
long in England. We must be better acquainted; you are my heir at law."

"Your what?" said Mr. Dacre, wonderingly.

"My heir," replied Lord Earle. "I have no son; my estates are
entailed, and you are my next of kin."

"I thought you had half a dozen heirs and heiresses," said Lionel. "I
remember some story of a romantic marriage. Today I hear of nothing
but the beautiful Miss Earle."

"I have no son," interrupted Lord Earle, sadly. "I wrote to you last
week, asking you to visit me. Have you any settled home?"

"No," replied the young man gayly. "My mother is at Cowes, and I have
been staying with her."

"Where are you now?" asked Lord Earle.

"I am with Captain Poyntz, at his chambers; I promised to spend some
days with him," replied Lionel, who began to look slightly bewildered.

"I must not ask you to break an engagement," said Lord Earle, "but will
you dine with us this evening, and, when you leave Captain Poyntz, come
to us?"

"I shall be very pleased," said Lionel, and the two gentlemen left
Brookes's together.

"I must introduce you to Lady Earle and my daughters," said Ronald, as
they walked along. "I have been so long absent from home and friends
that it seems strange to claim relationship with any one."

"I could never understand your fancy for broiling in Africa, when you
might have been happier at home," said Lionel.

"Did you not know? Have you not heard why I went abroad?" asked Lord
Earle, gravely.

"No," replied Lionel. "Your father never invited me to Earlescourt
after you left."

In a few words Lord Earle told his heir that he had married against his
father's wish, and in consequence had never been pardoned.

"And you gave up everything," said Lionel Dacre--"home, friends, and
position, for the love of a woman. She must have been well worth
loving."

Lord Earle grew pale, as with sudden pain. Had Dora been so well worth
loving? Had she been worth the heavy price?

"You are my heir," he said gravely--"one of my own race; before you
enter our circle, Lionel, and take your place t