w farther go and see Sir John
Wallis, of Cherry Court Park, and ask him what he thinks of Florence
Aylmer."

"Then you refuse to do what I ask?"

"I utterly and absolutely refuse to leave Florence Aylmer one halfpenny
of my money; and, what is more, the thousand a year which I intend to
settle on you will be only given on condition that you do not help
Florence Aylmer with one penny of it. Do not answer me now. You are
young and impulsive; not a word more at present. I will ask Mr.
Wiltshire to postpone his visit for three months. During that time you
can consider matters. During that time I expect everything to go on just
as usual. During part of that time Miss Sharston and her father and also
Sir John Wallis will be my guests. At the end of that time I will again
have an interview with you. But unless you promise to give up your
present mad ideas, and to let Miss Aylmer pursue her own career,
unhelped by you, unmolested by you, I shall find another heir or heiress
for my property."

"I don't want the time to consider," said Maurice, whose face now was
white with suppressed feeling. "Let your lawyer come now, Mrs. Aylmer;
my mind is made up."

"I will not take your decision now, you foolish boy. You are bound,
because of my kindness in the past, to take three months to consider
this matter. But leave me; I am tired."

CHAPTER XXVI.

AT AYLMER'S COURT.

Aylmer's Court was in the full perfection of its autumn beauty when Sir
John Wallis, accompanied by Kitty Sharston and her father, drove up the
winding avenue as Mrs. Aylmer's guests. A private omnibus from Aylmer's
Court was sent to the railway station to meet them, and their luggage
was now piled up high on the roof.

Sir John Wallis did not look a day older than when we last saw him in
all the glories of his own house, surrounded by the girls whom he had
made happy.

Kitty was seated beside her father and opposite to her old friend. She
looked sweet and bright, with that gentle, high-bred, intelligent
expression which she always wore. Kitty's heart was no longer empty or
sad. Her beloved father had come back to live with her, she hoped, as
long as life lasted. Her old friend, Sir John Wallis, had only recently
declared her his heiress; and, although Kitty would never leave her
father for anything that mere money could offer, she was glad to feel
that he was no longer anxious about her future.

As to Kitty, herself, however rich she might be, she