lady at Houghton. It would close our last hopes of a reconciliation. The
estates, in doubt now, would be eternally lost. I cannot afford this.
Oakhurst is strictly entailed; I am heavily in debt, so heavily, that we
are compelled to practise the most harassing economy. From me Clara will
inherit nothing; from her grandmother worse than nothing if she dies
offended with us. I am told that she is relenting--that she has been
heard to speak kindly of Clara. Can you ask me to insult her over again,
knowing all the wrong I have done her, all the ruin it would bring on my
child?"

"What can I do?" exclaimed Closs, who felt the reason of this appeal.
"How can I act generously to you--fairly to her?"

"Go away. She is young, volatile, capricious, but generous as the day.
Be open with her; tell her why you leave Oakhurst and how impossible it
is to return."

"But there is one wild hope for me--the possibility of gaining this old
lady's consent."

Lord Hope smiled in pity of the forlorn idea.

"You may as well ask the stars of heaven to fall."

"But it may chance that I can plead my cause with her."

"Then your best argument will be that I have driven you ignominiously
from Oakhurst," said Lord Hope, with fine irony in his smile. "She will
forgive much to any man I am known to dislike."

"My lord, I love your daughter so entirely, that it is impossible for me
to give up all hope. Leave me this one gleam, or, failing in that, give
me such chances as time may bring."

Again Lord Hope answered with that keen smile.

"I withhold nothing from you but my consent."

"But, if Lady Carset gives hers?"

"Then I can safely promise mine."

Again the smile came, and pierced Hepworth like an arrow.

"Now I will intrude here no longer," he said, taking his hat from the
ground where it had been lying.

"It is better so, inhospitable as you may think me for saying it. Lady
Hope will be grieved, I know."

"I am her only relative," said Closs, with deep feeling.

"I know it; but we are all making sacrifices. I am, certainly, in
wishing you farewell."

Hope reached out his hand. It was clear he wished Closs to go without
further leave-taking. Closs understood the motion.

"I will not pain my sister with a farewell. Explain this as you please,
or say that I will write--unless that is prohibited. As for the young
lady, I shall never seek her again under your roof; but the time may
come when I shall assert the right which every