ed around him for a moment; but then turning to Lady
Helen Oswald, he said, "I have much to say to you, but it must be in
private. Nevertheless, even now, let me say that your motives have been
explained to me; that I understand them; that she who could sacrifice
her heart's best affections to a parent in exile, in poverty, in
sickness, and in sorrow, has a greater claim than ever upon the heart of
every noble man. You have, of old, deeper claims on mine, and by the
ring upon this finger, by the state of solitude in which my life has
been passed, you may judge that those claims have not been
forgotten--Helen?" he added, taking her hand in his.
The Lady Helen turned her head away, with a cheek that was glowing
deeply; but her hand was not withdrawn, and the fingers clasped upon
those of Lord Sunbury.
The Earl smiled brightly. "And now, my lord duke," he said, "I besought
your lordship about an hour ago to suspend your decision upon a point of
great importance. Did I do right?"
"My lord," answered the Duke, gaily, "I hope I am not too quick this
time; but my decision is already made. Wilton, my dear boy, take
her--take her--I give her to you with my whole heart!"

End of the Project Gutenberg Etext of The King's Highway, by G.P.R. James