so beautiful, mother," he said, "that I am sure you would love
her; she is as fair and sweet as she is modest and true. I met her in
the gardens some weeks ago, and I have met her every day since."

Lord and Lady Earle exchanged a glance of dismay which did not escape
Ronald.

"Why have you not told us of this before?" asked his father, angrily.

"I asked her to be my wife while you were from home," replied Ronald.
"She promised and I have only been waiting until our guests left us and
you had more time."

"Is it to see Dora Thorne that you have been out so constantly?" asked
Lady Earle.

"Yes, I could not let a day pass without seeing her," he replied; "it
would be like a day without sunshine."

"Does any one else know of this folly?" asked Lord Earle, angrily.

"No, you may be quite sure, father, I should tell you before I told any
one else," replied Ronald.

They looked at him in silent dismay, vexed and amazed at what he had
done--irritated at his utter folly, yet forced to admire his honor, his
courage, his truth. Both felt that some sons would have carefully
concealed such a love affair from them. They were proud of his candor
and integrity, although deploring his folly.

"Tell us all about it, Ronald," said Lady Earle.

Without the least hesitation, Ronald told them every word; and despite
their vexation, neither could help smiling--it was such a pretty
story--a romance, all sunshine, smiles, tears, and flowers. Lord
Earle's face cleared as he listened, and he laid one hand on his boy's
shoulder.

"Ronald," said he, "we shall disagree about your love; but remember, I
do full justice to your truth. After all, the fault is my own. I
might have known that a young fellow of your age, left all alone, was
sure to get into mischief; you have done so. Say no more now; I clearly
and distinctly refuse my consent. I appeal to your honor that you meet
this young girl no more. We will talk of it another time."

When the door closed behind him, Lord and Lady Earle looked at each
other. The lady's face was pale and agitated.

"Oh, Rupert," she said, "how brave and noble he is! Poor foolish boy!
How proud he looked of his absurd mistake. We shall have trouble with
him, I foresee!"

"I do not think so," replied her husband. "Valentine Charteris will be
here soon, and when Ronald sees her he will forget this rustic beauty."

"It will be better not to thwart him," interrupted Lady Earle. "Let me
manag