her and said, "Mother,
what is this?"

"'Tis a family secret, my Lord Duke," says Colonel Esmond: "poor Beatrix
knew nothing of it; nor did my lady till a year ago. And I have as good
a right to resign my title as your Grace's mother to abdicate hers to
you."

"I should have told everything to the Duke of Hamilton," said my
mistress, "had his Grace applied to me for my daughter's hand, and not
to Beatrix. I should have spoken with you this very day in private, my
lord, had not your words brought about this sudden explanation--and now
'tis fit Beatrix should hear it; and know, as I would have all the world
know, what we owe to our kinsman and patron."

And then in her touching way, and having hold of her daughter's hand,
and speaking to her rather than my Lord Duke, Lady Castlewood told the
story which you know already--lauding up to the skies her kinsman's
behavior. On his side Mr. Esmond explained the reasons that seemed quite
sufficiently cogent with him, why the succession in the family, as at
present it stood, should not be disturbed; and he should remain as he
was, Colonel Esmond.

"And Marquis of Esmond, my lord," says his Grace, with a low bow.
"Permit me to ask your lordship's pardon for words that were uttered in
ignorance; and to beg for the favor of your friendship. To be allied to
you, sir, must be an honor under whatever name you are known" (so his
Grace was pleased to say); "and in return for the splendid present you
make my wife, your kinswoman, I hope you will please to command any
service that James Douglas can perform. I shall never be easy until I
repay you a part of my obligations at least; and ere very long, and with
the mission her Majesty hath given me," says the Duke, "that may perhaps
be in my power. I shall esteem it as a favor, my lord, if Colonel Esmond
will give away the bride."

"And if he will take the usual payment in advance, he is welcome," says
Beatrix, stepping up to him; and, as Esmond kissed her, she whispered,
"Oh, why didn't I know you before?"

My Lord Duke was as hot as a flame at this salute, but said never a
word: Beatrix made him a proud curtsy, and the two ladies quitted the
room together.

"When does your Excellency go for Paris?" asks Colonel Esmond.

"As soon after the ceremony as may be," his Grace answered. "'Tis fixed
for the first of December: it cannot be sooner. The equipage will not be
ready till then. The Queen intends the embassy should be very grand--a