any one again," he said. "Take back your
promise, Lillian Earle; you have broken a true and honest heart, you
have blighted a whole life. Heaven knows what I shall become, drifted
from you. I care not. You have deceived me. Take back your ring. I
will say goodbye to you. I shall not care to look upon your false,
fair face again."

"Oh, Lionel, wait!" she cried. "Give me time--do not leave me so!"

"Time will make little difference," he answered; "I shall not leave the
Hall until tomorrow morning; you can write to me if you wish me to
remain."

He laid the ring upon the table, refusing to notice the trembling,
outstretched hand. He could not refrain from looking back at her as he
quitted the room. He saw the gentle face, so full of deadly sorrow,
with its white quivering lips; and yet he thought to himself, although
she looked stricken with anguish, there was no guilt on the clear, fair
brow.

He turned back from the door and went straight to Lord Earle.

"I shall leave Earlescourt tomorrow," he said, abruptly. "I must go,
Lord Earle; do not press to stay."

"Come and go as you will, Lionel," said Ronald, surprised at the
brusqueness of his manner; "we are always pleased to see you and sorry
to lose you. You will return soon, perhaps?"

"I will write to you in a few days," he replied. "I must say goodbye to
Lady Earle."

She was astounded. Beatrice and Lord Airlie came up to him there was a
general expression of surprise and regret. He, unlike himself, was
brusque, and almost haughty.

Sir Harry and Lady Laurence had gone home. Beatrice, with a vague fear
that something had gone wrong, said she was tired; Lord Airlie said
goodnight; and in a few minutes Lady Helena and her son were left alone.

"What has come over Lionel?" asked Ronald. "Why, mother, how mistaken
I am! Do you know that I quite believed he was falling in love with
Lillian?"

"He did that long ago," replied Lady Helena, with a smile. "Say
nothing about it. Lionel is very proud and impetuous. I fancy he and
Lillian have had some little dispute. Matters of that kind are best
left alone--interference always does harm. He will come back in a few
days; and all be right again. Ronald, there is one question I have
been wishing to ask you--do not be angry if I pain you, my son.
Beatrice will be married soon--do you not intend her mother to be
present at the wedding?"

Lord Earle rose from his chair, and began, as he always di