t even know
that the one baby who had been for a little while heir of Dighton, and
possible heir of Hunsdon, had died in her arms when the rejoicings for
its birth were scarcely over. But he felt grateful to her for speaking
to him so frankly, and his new position looked the more satisfactory now
he knew that no shadow of wrong was done to any one by his occupying it.

Lady Dighton understood this perfectly well. She had a quick perception
of the character and feelings of those she associated with; and had
talked to Maurice intentionally of what she guessed he must wish to
hear. She had a great deal more to say to him, still, about her
grandfather and her husband, and the country; and wanted to ask
questions innumerable about his former home in Canada, his mother, and
everything she could think of, the discussion of which would make them
better acquainted. For she had quite decided that, as she said, they
were to be very good friends; and, to put all family interest and ties
on one side, there was something not disagreeable in the idea of taking
under her own peculiar tutelage a young and handsome man, who was quite
new to the world, and about entering it with all the prestige which
attends the heir of fifteen or twenty thousand a year.

They were still talking busily when Mr. Beresford's man came to say that
his master was awake. They went in together and sat with him for the
rest of the afternoon, until it was time for Lady Dighton to go. When
she did, it was with a promise from Maurice, not to wait for a visit
from Sir John, who was always busy, but to go over and dine at Dighton
very soon; a promise Mr. Beresford confirmed, being in his heart very
glad to see such friendly relations springing up between his two
grandchildren. Maurice, on his side, was equally glad, for not only did
his new friendship promise pleasure to himself, but he had a secret
satisfaction in thinking how well his cousin and Lucia would get on
together if--

But then the recollection that he had left Cacouna in possession of Mr.
Percy came to interrupt the very commencement of a day dream.

CHAPTER VII.

Maurice paid his visit to Dighton--paid two or three visits, indeed--and
his cousin came to Hunsdon still oftener, so that in the course of a few
weeks, a considerable degree of intimacy grew up between them. Sir John
was, as his wife said, always busy; he was hospitable and friendly to
his new connection, but in all family or soci