eaties, and commands, you persist in marrying the girl,
I will never look upon your face again. My home shall be no longer
your home. You will lose my love, my esteem, and what perhaps those
who have lured you to ruin may value still more, my wealth. I can not
disinherit you; but, if you persist in this folly, I will not allow you
one farthing. You shall be to me as one dead until I die myself."

"I have three hundred a year," said Ronald, calmly; "that my godfather
left me."

Lord Earle's face now grew white with anger.

"Yes," he replied, "you have that; it would not find you in gloves and
cigars now. But, Ronald, you can not be serious, my boy. I have loved
you--I have been so proud of you--you can not mean to defy and wound
me."

His voice faltered, and his son looked up quickly, touched to the heart
by his father's emotion.

"Give me your consent, father," he cried, passionately. "You know I
love you, and I love Dora; I can not give up Dora."

"Enough," said Lord Earle; "words seem useless. You hear my final
resolve; I shall never change it--no after repentance, no entreaties,
will move me. Choose between your parents, your home, your position,
and the love of this fair, foolish girl, of whom in a few months you
will be tired and weary. Choose between us. I ask for no promises; you
have refused to give it. I appeal no more to your affection; I leave
you to decide for yourself. I might coerce and force you, but I will
not do so. Obey me, and I will make your happiness my study. Defy me,
and marry the girl then, in life, I will never look upon your face
again. Henceforth, I will have no son; you will not be worthy of the
name. There is no appeal. I leave you now to make your choice; this
is my final resolve."

Chapter II

The Earles, of Earlescourt, were one of the oldest families in England.
The "Barony of Earle" is mentioned in the early reigns of the Tudor
kings. They never appeared to have taken any great part either in
politics or warfare. The annals of the family told of simple, virtuous
lives; they contained, too, some few romantic incidents. Some of the
older barons had been brave soldiers; and there were stories of
hair-breadth escapes and great exploits by flood and field. Two or
three had taken to politics, and had suffered through their eagerness
and zeal; but, as a rule, the barons of Earle had been simple, kindly
gentlemen, contented to live at home upon their own estates