lted Mr. Hailes, as to whether
the prosperity that had begun to flow in upon Northmoor would justify him
in at once taking the house at Westhaven off her hands, and making it a
thank-offering as a parsonage for the district of St. James. This
break-up seemed considerably to lessen her reluctance to the idea of
Herbert's remaining in Canada, as in effect, neither she nor Ida felt
inclined as yet to encounter his indignation, or to let him hear what
Westhaven said. There would be no strong opposition on her part, except
the tears which he would not see; and she was too anxious to carry Ida
away to think of much besides.

Frank had, however, made up his mind that he could not let the son of his
only brother, the youth whom he had regarded almost as a son, and who had
lost so much by the discovery of the child, drift away into expatriation,
without being personally satisfied as to these new companions. This was
ostensible reason enough for a resolution to go out himself to the
transatlantic Northmoor to make arrangements for his nephew. Moreover,
he was bent on doing so before the return of Mrs. Bury and Bertha, from
whom the names of Alder and Northmoor were withheld in the joyful
letters.

From Mr. Hailes he obtained full confirmation of what he had heard from
Lady Adela--a story which the old gentleman's loyalty had withheld as
mere gossip--about the young people who had been very dear to him.

He confessed that poor Arthur Morton had a bad set about him--indeed, his
father's tastes had involved him in the kind of thing, and Lady Adela had
been almost a child when married to him by relations who were much to
blame. Captain Alder had belonged to the set, but had always seemed too
good for them, and as if thrown among them from association. There was
no doubt that he and Bertha were much in love, but there was sure to be
strong opposition from her father, and even her brother had shown
symptoms of thinking his friend had no business to aspire to his sister's
hand. Moreover, it appeared afterwards that the Captain was heavily in
debt to Arthur Morton. It was under these circumstances that the
accident occurred. Bertha had mistrusted the horse's eye and ear, and
implored her brother not to venture on driving it, and had been bantered
good-humouredly on her unusual fears. At the first shock, the untamed
girl had spoken bitter words, making Captain Alder accountable for the
accident. What they were, neither Mr. Ha