ack to
London.'

'To live with us! exclaimed John. 'Really, mother, you have found the
best plan of all. Nothing could be better!'

'Do you think your father would approve?' said Lady Martindale, eagerly.

'Let us propose it to him,' said John, and without further delay he
begged him to join the conference. The plan was so excellent that it
only seemed strange that it had occurred to no one before, combining the
advantages of giving Arthur's health a better chance; of country air for
the children, and of economy. Lord Martindale looked very well pleased,
though still a little doubtful, as he pondered, whether there might not
be some unseen objection, and to give himself time to think, repeated,
in answer to their solicitations, that it was a most important step.

'For instance,' said he, as if glad to have recollected one argument
on the side of caution, 'you see, if they live here, we are in a manner
treating Johnnie as the acknowledged heir.'

'Exactly so,' replied John; 'and it will be the better for him, and for
the people. For my part--'

They were interrupted by Arthur's walking in from the garden. Lady
Martindale, too eager to heed that her lord would fain not broach
the question till his deliberations were mature, rose up at once,
exclaiming, 'Arthur my dear, I am glad you are come. We wish, when
Theodora leaves us, that you and your dear wife and children should come
and live at home always with us. Will you, my dear?' Arthur looked from
one to the other in amaze.

'It is a subject for consideration,' began Lord Martindale. 'I would not
act hastily, without knowing the sentiments of all concerned.'

'If you mean mine,' said John, 'I will finish what I was saying,--that,
for my part, a home is all that I can ever want; and that for Arthur
to afford me a share in his, and in his children's hearts, would be the
greatest earthly happiness that I can desire.'

'I am sure'--said Arthur, in a voice which, to their surprise, was
broken by a sob--'I am sure, John--you have every right. You have made
my home what it is.'

'Then he consents!' exclaimed Lady Martindale; 'I shall have Violet
always with me, and Helen.'

'Thank you, thank you, mother; but--' His eye was on his father.

'Your mother does not know what she is asking of you, Arthur,' said Lord
Martindale. 'I would not have you engage yourself without consideration.
Such arrangements as these must not be made to be broken. For myself, it
is only t