all
the fond care of a mother endeavour, while she is yet so
young, to prevent her heart and mind from being occupied by
ideas not suited to what should be her present occupations,
and hereafter, with the blessing of God, guard her against
the dangers she may be liable to be ensnared into by the
position in which she is placed.... You have been, I rejoice
to hear, raised in the opinion of all with whom you have
lately had to transact business by your firmness and
decision. You are in an honourable profession, which gives
you occupation.... Resist drink, or a rash throwing away
life, or wasting in any way the energies of a naturally
strong, sensible mind, and really attached heart. Now write
to me soon; tell me truly if I have tried your patience by
this long letter which I venture to send, for it is when
returning to life as I now feel that renewed love for all
dear to one seems to take possession of our hearts, so you
must forgive it if you find it long. Your uncle and cousin
send their kindest love.--Adieu, dearest Roger, ever be
assured of the sincere affection and real attachment of your
aunt.
KATHERINE DOUGHTY."

Roger protested that his failings had been exaggerated, and by his
letters it is noticeable there is a trace of vexation that Lady
Doughty should have lent an ear to coloured reports of his manner of
life; but there is no abatement in the affectionate terms on which he
stood with his aunt at Tichborne. Matters, however, could not long go
on in this fashion. As yet Roger Tichborne had never spoken of his
love to Miss Doughty, though it cannot be doubted that some tokens had
revealed that secret. But love must find expression in something more
than hints and tokens, and at last came the inevitable time. It was on
Christmas eve, 1851, that Roger joyfully set foot in Tichborne Park
once more. That was a happy meeting in all but the fact that Sir
Edward Doughty was in weak health. Now comes the _denoument_. Miss
Doughty had given Roger a keepsake volume of Father Faber's Hymns, and
there was an exchange of gifts. Suddenly the truth flashed across the
mind of the father, and he was vexed and angry. On a Sunday morning,
when the two cousins had been walking in the garden enjoying the
bright winter day, and they were sitting together at breakfast, a
message came that Sir