haps the wisest bit of the captain's proceedings was the tact with
which he always recognized this fact, and paid his cousin that respect
and deference, and that tacit acknowledgment of his rights of manhood
and government which could not but be soothing and pleasant to one so
afflicted. Or perhaps--let us give the kindest interpretation
possible to all things--the earl's helplessness and loveableness
touched a chord long silent, or never stirred before in the heart of the
man of the world. Possibly--who can say?--he really began to like
him.

At any rate, he seemed as if he did, and Lord Cairnforth gave back to
him in double measure all that he bestowed.

As a matter of course, all the captain's pecuniary needs were at once
supplied. His threadbare clothes became mysteriously changed into a
wardrobe supplied with every thing that a gentleman could desire, and a
rather luxurious gentleman too; which, owing to his Indian habits and
his delicate health, the young captain turned out to be. At first he
resisted all this kindness; but all remonstrances being soon overcome,
he took his luxuries quite naturally, and evidently enjoyed them, though
scarcely so much as the earl himself.

To that warm heart, which had never had half enough of its ties whereon
to expend itself and its wealth of generosity, it was perfectly
delicious to see the sick soldier daily gaining health by riding the
Cairnforth horses, shooting over the moors, or fishing in the lochs.
Never had the earl so keenly enjoyed his own wealth, and the blessings
it enabled him to lavish abroad; never in his lifetime had he looked so
thoroughly contented.

"Helen," he said one day, when she had come up for an hour or two to the
Castle, and then as usual, Captain Bruce had taken the opportunity of
riding out--he owned he found Miss Cardross's company and
conversation "slow"--"Helen, that young man looks stronger and better
every day. What a bright-looking fellow he is! It does one good to see
him." And the earl followed with his eyes the graceful steed and
equally graceful rider, caracoling in front of the Castle window.

Helen said nothing.

"I think," he continued, "that the next best thing to being happy one's
self is to be able to make other people so. Perhaps that may be the
sort of happiness they have in the next world. I often speculate about
it, and wonder what sort of creature I shall find myself there. But."
added he, abruptly, "now to busin