at
all--nothing but affection and habit, and the ever-strengthening link
that had been twisted closer and closer with the progress of these
years; but nothing real, the merest shadow of relationship, a cousin,
who could count how often removed? And it was he who had insisted,
forced upon Elinor the necessity of making his father known to Philip,
of informing him of his real position. Nobody had interfered in this
respect but John. He had made himself a weariness to her by insisting,
never giving over, blaming her hourly for her delay. And yet now, when
the thing he had so worked for, so constantly urged, was done----!

He smiled grimly to himself as he walked away: they were all together,
the lordship and the ladyship, young Lord Lomond too!--and Phil Compton,
whitewashed, a peer of the realm, and still, the scoundrel! a handsome
fellow enough: with an air about him, a man who might still dazzle a
youngster unaccustomed to the world. He had re-entered the bosom of his
family, and doubtless was weeping upon Philip's neck, and bandying about
that name of "Nell" which had always seemed to John an insult--an insult
to himself. And in that moment of bitterness John did not know how she
would take it, what effect it would produce upon her. Perhaps the very
sight of the fellow who had once won her heart, the lover of her youth,
with whom John had never for a moment put himself in competition,
notwithstanding the bitter wonder in his heart that Elinor--Elinor of
all people!--could ever have loved such a man. Yet she had loved him,
and the sight of him again after so many years, what effect might it
not produce? As he walked away, it was the idea of a happy family that
came into John Tatham's mind--mutual forgiveness, mutual return to
the old traditions which are the most endearing of all; expansions,
confessions, recollections, and lives of reunion. Something more than
a prodigal's return, the return of a sinner bringing a coronet in his
hand, bringing distinction, a place and position enough to dazzle any
boy, enough to make a woman forgive. And was not this what John wished
above all things, every advancement for the boy, and an assured place in
the world, as well as every happiness that might be possible--happiness!
yet it was possible she might think it so--for Elinor? Yes, this was
what he had wished for, been ready to make any sacrifice to secure.
In the sudden shock Mr. Tatham thought of the only other person who
perhap