y made up, although he did not know it.

CHAPTER V

PAUL'S MADNESS

Howden Clough was a big house standing in its own grounds, some two
miles from the town of Brunford. Considering the vicinity, it was a
very handsome place of residence. The house itself was of grey stone,
and occupied a commanding position. Having been built some two hundred
years before, by an old county magnate, the grounds were well matured.
Indeed, Mr. Edward Wilson was envied by his fellow manufacturers for
having obtained so desirable a place of residence. The very fact that
he lived in a house which had been owned by the Greystones gave him a
kind of position, and this, added to his being a rich man, and
abundantly able to keep up the place he occupied, gave him a feeling of
superiority.

Edward Wilson and his son were sitting together in the room which they
called the library, although there were but few evidences of the name
being deserved.

"Mr. Bolitho will be here in half an hour," said the father.

"Do you know if he is bringing Mary with him?" asked Ned.

"I am not sure," replied the father. "I have done my best for you, my
lad."

"I mean to have her," said the young man. "I never really cared for a
girl before, and I shall never care for another. Besides, why is the
case hopeless?"

"I mean you shall have her," replied the father. "But you must
remember, my lad, that these Bolithos belong to a very old family, and
they don't look upon money as everything. We're not county people, and
they are, although they visit us as friends. Still, I can buy up half
the county people, and I've done my best to persuade him to bring Mary
with him. When I was at Mr. Bolitho's house last, I inquired if she
had any matrimonial engagement, but as far as I could gather she's
still fancy free, so let's hope for the best, Ned."

"What time does the meeting commence?" asked the son.

"Not until nine o'clock," was the reply. "We shall have plenty of time
for a smoke and a chat after dinner before those fellows come."

A little later there was a sound of wheels upon the drive. Both father
and son rushed to the door, and to their delight they found not only
Mr. Bolitho but his daughter as well.

"This is splendid!" cried Mr. Wilson senior. "I was afraid Miss
Bolitho would not be able to come. Ah, Emily, here's your friend. We
are glad to see you. I am afraid you'll think that Lancashire people
are a little rough, but we yiel