title is not mine? I dread to tell her." He
then added aloud, with a melancholy smile, "I crave your pardon, madam;
the delight of a meeting so unexpected with your daughter must plead my
apology."

"None is wanting, Sir Ranulph," said Major Mowbray. "I who have known
what separation from my sister is, can readily excuse your feelings. But
you look ill."

"I have, indeed, experienced much mental anxiety," said Ranulph, looking
at Eleanor; "it is now past, and I would fain hope that a brighter day
is dawning." His heart answered, 'twas but a hope.

"You were unlooked for here to-night, Sir Ranulph," said Mrs. Mowbray;
"by us, at least: we were told you were abroad."

"You were rightly informed, madam," replied Ranulph. "I only arrived
this evening from Bordeaux."

"I am glad you are returned. We are at present on a visit with your
neighbors, the Davenhams, at Braybrook, and trust we shall see you
there."

"I will ride over to-morrow," replied Ranulph; "there is much on which I
would consult you all. I would have ventured to request the favor of
your company at Rookwood, had the occasion been other than the present."

"And I would willingly have accepted your invitation," returned Mrs.
Mowbray; "I should like to see the old house once more. During your
father's lifetime I could not approach it. You are lord of broad lands,
Sir Ranulph--a goodly inheritance."

"Madam!"

"And a proud title, which you will grace well, I doubt not. The first,
the noblest of our house, was he from whom you derive your name. You are
the third Sir Ranulph; the first founded the house of Rookwood; the next
advanced it; 'tis for you to raise its glory to its height."

"Alas! madam, I have no such thought."

"Wherefore not? you are young, wealthy, powerful. With such domains as
those of Rookwood--with such a title as its lord can claim, naught
should be too high for your aspirations."

"I aspire to nothing, madam, but your daughter's hand; and even that I
will not venture to solicit until you are acquainted with----" And he
hesitated.

"With what?" asked Mrs. Mowbray, in surprise.

"A singular, and to me most perplexing event has occurred to-night,"
replied Ranulph, "which may materially affect my future fortunes."

"Indeed!" exclaimed Mrs. Mowbray. "Does it relate to your mother?"

"Excuse my answering the question now, madam," replied Ranulph; "you
shall know all to-morrow."

"Ay, to-morrow, dear Ranulph," said Eleanor; "an