and I must
retire. I have seen in three weeks everything that I had cared for and
loved destroyed. You come back a stranger, and without knowing or
caring for the proper dignity of the House, you have done what you
pleased. Finally, you are bringing a woman into the House whose
parents are beggars, whose social position makes her unworthy of such a
marriage. You cannot expect me to love you for it. From this moment
we cease to exist for each other. I hope that I may never see you
again or hear from you. I shall not indulge in heroics or melodrama,
but I will never forgive you. I suppose that the house at Norfolk is
at my disposal?"

"Certainly," he answered. Then he turned to his brother. "I hope,
Garrett," he said, "that you do not feel as strongly about the matter
as Clare. I should be very glad if you found it possible to remain."

That gentleman was in a difficult position; he changed colour and tried
to avoid his sister's eyes. After a rapid survey of the position, he
had come to the conclusion that he would not be nearly as comfortable
in Norfolk--he could not write his book as easily, and the house had
scarcely the same position of importance. He had grown fond of the
place. Harry, after all, was not a bad chap--he seemed very anxious to
be pleasant; and even Mary Bethel mightn't turn out so badly.

"You see, Clare," he said slowly, "there is the book--and--well, on the
whole, I think it would be almost better if I remained; it is not, of
course, that----"

Clare's lip curled scornfully.

"I understand, Garrett, you could scarcely be expected to leave such
comforts for so slight a reason. And you, Robin?"

She held the chair with her hand as she spoke. The fury at her heart
was such that she could scarcely breathe; she was quite calm, but she
had a mad desire to seize Harry as he sat there at the table and
strangle him with her hands. And Garrett!--the contemptible coward!
But if only Robin would come with her, then the rest mattered little.
After all, it had only been a fortnight ago when he had stood at her
side and rejected his father. The scene now was parallel--her voice
grew soft and trembled a little as she spoke to him.

"Robin, dear, what will you do? Will you come with me?"

For a moment father and son looked at each other, then Robin answered--

"I shall be very glad to come and stay sometimes, Aunt
Clare--often--whenever you care to have me. But I think that I must
stay