se the ambition and satisfy the longings
of the young man who listened to him. There were much wisdom in what
he did, and much benevolence also.

And then at about eleven o'clock, Herbert having sat out the second
bottle of claret, betook himself to his bed at the lodgings over the
covered way.

CHAPTER XXXVI.

HOW THE EARL WAS WON.

It was not quite at first that the countess could explain to her son
how she now wished that Owen Fitzgerald might become her son-in-law.
She had been so steadfast in her opposition to Owen when the earl
had last spoken of the matter, and had said so much of the wickedly
dissipated life which Owen was leading, that she feared to shock the
boy. But by degrees she brought the matter round, speaking of Owen's
great good fortune, pointing out how much better he was suited for
riches than for poverty, insisting warmly on all his good qualities
and high feelings, and then saying at last, as it were without
thought, "Poor Clara! She has been unfortunate, for at one time she
loved Owen Fitzgerald much better than she will ever love his cousin
Herbert."

"Do you think so, mother?"

"I am sure of it. The truth is, Patrick, you do not understand your
sister; and indeed it is hard to do so. I have also always had an
inward fear that she had now engaged herself to a man whom she did
not love. Of course as things were then it was impossible that she
should marry Owen; and I was glad to break her off from that feeling.
But she never loved Herbert Fitzgerald."

"Why, she is determined to have him, even now."

"Ah, yes! That is where you do not understand her. Now, at this
special moment, her heart is touched by his misfortune, and she
thinks herself bound by her engagement to sacrifice herself with him.
But that is not love. She has never loved any one but Owen,--and who
can wonder at it? for he is a man made for a woman to love."

The earl said nothing for a while, but sat balancing himself on the
back legs of his chair. And then, as though a new idea had struck
him, he exclaimed, "If I thought that, mother, I would find out what
Owen thinks of it himself."

"Poor Owen!" said the countess. "There is no doubt as to what he
thinks;" and then she left the room, not wishing to carry the
conversation any further.

Two days after this, and without any further hint from his mother,
he betook himself along the banks of the river to Hap House. In his
course thither he never let his horse pu