The poor young lord felt that he had a double duty, and hardly knew
how to perform it. He owed a duty to his sister which was paramount
to all others; but then he owed a duty also to the friend who had
been so kind to him. He did not know how to turn round upon him and
tell him that he was not fit to marry his sister.

"And what do you say to it, Desmond?"

"I hardly know what to say. It would be a very bad match for her.
You, you know, are a capital fellow; the best fellow going. There is
nobody about anywhere that I like so much."

"In thinking of your sister, you should put that out of the
question."

"Yes; that's just it. I like you for a friend better than any one
else. But Clara ought--ought--ought--"

"Ought to look higher, you would say."

"Yes; that's just what I mean. I don't want to offend you, you know."

"Desmond, my boy, I like you the better for it. You are a fine
fellow, and I thoroughly respect you. But let us talk sensibly about
this. Though your sister's rank is high--"

"Oh, I don't want to talk about rank. That's all bosh, and I don't
care about it. But Hap House is a small place, and Clara wouldn't be
doing well; and what's more, I am quite sure the countess will not
hear of it."

"You won't approve then?"

"No, I can't say I will."

"Well, that is honest of you. I am very glad that I have told you at
once. Clara will tell her mother, and at any rate there will be no
secrets. Good-bye, old fellow."

"Good-bye," said the earl. Then they shook hands, and Fitzgerald rode
off towards Hap House. Lord Desmond pondered over the matter some
time, standing alone near the lodge; and then walked slowly back
towards the mansion. He had said that rank was all bosh; and in so
saying had at the moment spoken out generously the feelings of his
heart. But that feeling regarded himself rather than his sister; and
if properly analyzed would merely have signified that, though proud
enough of his own rank, he did not require that his friends should be
of the same standing. But as regarded his sister, he certainly would
not be well pleased to see her marry a small squire with a small
income.

CHAPTER IV.

THE COUNTESS.

The countess, as she walked back with her daughter towards the house,
had to bethink herself for a minute or two as to how she should act,
and what she would say. She knew, she felt that she knew, what had
occurred. If her daughter's manner had not told her, the downcast
ey