ties--sad and painful
duties indeed, sometimes, when the madman became violent, and likely
enough to be very speedily terminated by death.

* * * * *

"What can I say to you?" said Lady Alice to Maurice Kenyon, a day or two
later. "It was your acuteness that brought the matter to light. Now that
that poor wretched man is hopelessly insane, we might never have learnt
the truth. Is there any way in which I can thank you? any way in which I
can give you a reward?"

She looked steadily into his face, and saw that he changed color.

"There is only one way, Lady Alice," he stammered.

"You are not to call me Lady Alice: I like 'Mrs. Brooke' much better.
Well?"

"I love your daughter," said Maurice bluntly, "and I believe she would
love me if you would let her."

"_Let_ her?" said Mrs. Brooke, with a smile.

"She made you some promises before she came to London----"

"Ah, not to become engaged before the year was out. Tell her that I
absolve her from that promise, and--ask her again."

Maurice found that under these conditions Lesley's answer was all that
could be desired.

CHAPTER XLI.

VALE!

"Now that Ethel has gone to the sea-side, I can have you to myself a
little while," said Lady Alice to her daughter.

"Poor Ethel! But it is delightful to have you here, mamma: it is so
home-like and comfortable."

"Ah, you will soon have to make a home for somebody else!"

Lesley grew red, but smiled. "We won't think of that yet," she said
softly. "Mamma, I want to speak to you on a very serious subject."

"Well, my darling?"

"You won't be angry with me, will you? It is--about Mrs. Romaine."

Lady Alice's brow clouded a little. "Well, Lesley?" she said.

"Mamma, I can't bear Mrs. Romaine myself. Neither can you. Neither can
papa. And it is very unchristian of all of us, to say the least.
Because----"

"Neither can papa," repeated Lady Alice, with raised brows. "My dear
child, Mrs. Romaine is a great friend of your father's. He told me only
the other day that she used to come here very often--to see your Aunt
Sophy and yourself."

"So she did," said Lesley, lightly. "But, of course, she can't very well
come now--at least, it would be awkward. Still I am sure papa does not
like her, for he looked quite pleased the other day when I told him that
she was going to give up her house, and said in his short way--'So much
the better.'"

"Very slight evidence," said Caspar Br