the truth, it
was very much in consequence of what I heard that I came to Grey Abbey
to-day."

It was now Lord Cashel's turn to be confounded. First, to deny that he
had heard anything about it--and then immediately to own that he had
heard it, and had been induced to renew his visits to Grey Abbey in
consequence! Just what he, in his wisdom, had suspected was the case.
But how could Lord Ballindine have the face to own it?

I must, however, tell the reader the event of which Frank was ignorant,
and which, it appears, Lord Cashel is determined not to communicate to
him.

Fanny Wyndham's father had held a governorship, or some golden
appointment in the golden days of India, and consequently had died
rich. He left eighty thousand pounds to his son, who was younger than
Fanny, and twenty to his daughter. His son had lately been put into the
Guards, but he was not long spared to enjoy his sword and his uniform.
He died, and his death had put his sister in possession of his money;
and Lord Cashel thought that, though Frank might slight twenty thousand
pounds, he would be too glad to be allowed to remain the accepted
admirer of a hundred thousand.

"I thought you must have heard it, my lord," resumed the senior, as
soon as he had collected his shreds of dignity, which Frank's open
avowal had somewhat scattered, "I felt certain you must have heard it,
and you will, I am sure, perceive that this is no time for you--excuse
me if I use a word which may appear harsh--it is no time for any one,
not intimately connected with Miss Wyndham by ties of family, to
intrude upon her sorrow."

Frank was completely bothered. He thought that if she were so
sorrowful, if she grieved so deeply at the match being broken off, that
was just the reason why he should see her. After all, it was rather
flattering to himself to hear of her sorrows; dear Fanny! was she so
grieved that she was forced to part from him?

"But, Lord Cashel," he said, "I am ready to do whatever you please.
I'll take any steps you'll advise. But I really cannot see why I'm to
be told that the engagement between me and Miss Wyndham is off, without
hearing any reason from herself. I'll make any sacrifice you please, or
she requires; I'm sure she was attached to me, and she cannot have
overcome that affection so soon."

"I have already said that we require--Miss Wyndham requires--no
sacrifice from you. The time for sacrifice is past; and I do not think
her affection w