t to recall in any way the rejection which, if I understand you
rightly, you have given to it?"

"I promise."

"And if I say to you, 'Helen, this man is not worthy of you '"

"No, no! do not say that,--I could not believe you." Harley frowned, but
resumed calmly, "If, then, I say, 'Ask me not wherefore, but I forbid
you to be the wife of Leonard Fairfield, I what would be your answer?'"

"Ah, my Lord, if you can but comfort him, do with me as you will! but do
not command me to break his heart."

"Oh, silly child," cried Harley, laughing scornfully, "hearts are not
found in the race from which that man sprang. But I take your promise,
with its credulous condition. Helen, I pity you. I have been as weak as
you, bearded man though I be. Some day or other, you and I may live
to laugh at the follies at which you weep now. I can give you no other
comfort, for I know of none."

He moved to the door, and paused at the threshold: "I shall not see you
again for some days, Helen. Perhaps I may request my mother to join me
at Lansmere; if so, I shall pray you to accompany her. For the present,
let all believe that our position is unchanged. The time will soon come
when I may--"

Helen looked up wistfully through her tears.

"I may release you from all duties to me," continued Harley, with
grave and severe coldness; "or I may claim your promise in spite of the
condition; for your lover's heart will not be broken. Adieu!"

CHAPTER XVII.

As Harley entered London, he came suddenly upon Randal Leslie, who was
hurrying from Eaton Square, having not only accompanied Mr. Avenel
in his walk, but gone home with him, and spent half the day in that
gentleman's society. He was now on his way to the House of Commons, at
which some disclosure as to the day for the dissolution of parliament
was expected.

"Lord L'Estrange," said Randal, "I must stop you. I have been to
Norwood, and seen our noble friend. He has confided to me, of course,
all that passed. How can I express my gratitude to you! By what rare
talent, with what signal courage, you have saved the happiness--perhaps
even the honour--of my plighted bride!"

"Your bride! The duke, then, still holds to the promise you were
fortunate enough to obtain from Dr. Riccabocca?"

"He confirms that promise more solemnly than ever. You may well be
surprised at his magnanimity."

"No; he is a philosopher,--nothing in him can surprise me. But he seemed
to think, when I saw him,