said, as Dermot felt, that Biston had never been
anything but an unjustifiable and pernicious luxury and temptation; but
he did voluntarily, since it joined his property, propose to purchase
it himself, and at such a sum as secured the possibility of a real
payment of the debts when the other sales should have been effected.

And they were carried out. It was well for Dermot that, as a
convalescent in his mother's house, he was sheltered from all counter
influences, such as his easy good nature might not have withstood; and
under that shelter it was his purpose to abide until the voyage which
would take him out of reach for a time, and bring him home ready for
his fresh start.

Of course Lady Diana hated the notion of the voyage, and though her
brother advised her not to oppose it, yet to the last I think she
entertained hopes that it would end in Harold's going alone.

When Harold came in and told me that Dermot Tracy's horses, English and
Irish, were all sold, and named the sum that they had realised, my
spirits leaped up, and I was certain, after such a voluntary sacrifice,
the dear old companion of my childhood would be a joy and exultation to
us all, instead of a sorrow and a grief.

CHAPTER XI.

THE RED VALLEY CATTLE STEALERS.

In the Easter recess our Northchester member had his house full, and
among his guests was one of the most influential men of the day, who,
though not a cabinet minister himself, was known to have immense
influence with Government and in Parliament, from his great weight and
character.

Eustace and I were invited to meet him, also Lady Diana and her
daughter and son, who was called well now, though far from strong. When
the gentlemen came out of the dining-room, Eustace and Dermot came up
to us, the former much excited, and saying, "Lucy, you must make
preparations. They are all coming to luncheon to-morrow at Arghouse."

"Ah!"

"Yes, Sir James (the great man himself), and Mr. Vernon, and the
General, and all the party. I asked them all. Sir James has heard of
the potteries, and of my system, and of the reformation I have
effected, and there being no strikes, and no nothing
deleterious--undesirable I mean--and the mechanics having an interest,
he wants to see for himself--to inspect personally--that he may name it
in Parliament in illustration of a scheme he is about to propose. So
Mr. Vernon will bring him over to see the Hydriot works to-morrow, and
I have asked th