nd he is his father's lawful son and
true heir, and we are the recipients of his bounty, and he the chief of a
house that's as old as your own. And if he is content to forgo his name
that my child may bear it, we love him and honour him and bless him under
whatever name he bears"--and here the fond and affectionate creature would
have knelt to Esmond again, but that he prevented her; and Beatrix,
running up to her with a pale face and a cry of alarm, embraced 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 behaviour. 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 favour of your friendship. To be allied to you, sir,
must be an honour 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 favour, 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