overwhelmingly fond of
him, complaining sometimes that Uncle Alick interfered with him a little
too much; investigated his expenses, made him balance his accounts, and
insisted that these should be kept within the limits suitable for Mrs.
Bruce's son and Mr. Cardross's grandson, who would have to work his way
in the world as his uncles had done before him.

"You see, Helen," said the earl, "all concealment brings its
difficulties. It would be much easier for the boy if he were told his
position and his future career at once--nay, if he had known it from
the first."

But Helen would not hear of this. She was obstinate, all but fierce, on
the subject. No argument would convince her that it was not safer for
her son, who had been brought up in such Arcadian simplicity, to
continue believing himself what he appeared to be, than to be dazzled by
the knowledge that he was the chosen heir of the Earl of Cairnforth.

So, somewhat against his judgment, the earl yielded.

All winter and spring things went on peacefully in the little peninsula,
which was now being grasped tightly by the strong arm of encroaching
civilization. Acre after acre of moorland disappeared, and became
houses, gardens, green-houses, the feu-rents of which made the estate of
Cairnforth more valuable every year.

"That young man of yours will have enough on his hands one day," the
earl said to Helen. "He lives an easy life now, and little thinks what
hard work he is coming to. As Mr. Menteith once told me, the owner of
Cairnforth has no sinecure, nor will have for the next quarter of a
century."

"You expect a busy life, then?"

"Yes; and I must have that boy to help me--till he comes to his own.
But, Helen, after that time, you must not let him be idle. The richest
man should work, if he can. I wonder what line of work Cardross will
take; whether he will attempt politics--his letters are very
political just now, do you notice?"

"Very. And there is not half enough about himself."

"He might get into Parliament," continued the earl, "and perhaps some
day win a peerage in his own right. Eh, Helen? Would you like to be
mother to a viscount--Viscount Cairnforth?"

"No," said Helen, tenderly, "there shall never be another Lord
Cairnforth."

Thus sat these two, planning by the hour together the future of the boy
who was their one delight. It amused them through all the winter and
spring, till Cairnforth woods grew green again, and Loch