away together. (Now, it seemed they had
never been parted, and again, as if they had been ages asunder.) "I
always thought you had no vocation that way; and that 'twas a pity to
shut you out from the world. You would but have pined and chafed at
Castlewood: and 'tis better you should make a name for yourself. I often
said so to my dear lord. How he loved you! 'Twas my lord that made you
stay with us."

"I asked no better than to stay near you always," said Mr. Esmond.

"But to go was best, Harry. When the world cannot give peace, you will
know where to find it; but one of your strong imagination and eager
desires must try the world first before he tires of it. 'Twas not to be
thought of, or if it once was, it was only by my selfishness, that you
should remain as chaplain to a country gentleman and tutor to a little
boy. You are of the blood of the Esmonds, kinsman; and that was always
wild in youth. Look at Francis. He is but fifteen, and I scarce can keep
him in my nest. His talk is all of war and pleasure, and he longs to
serve in the next campaign. Perhaps he and the young Lord Churchill
shall go the next. Lord Marlborough has been good to us. You know how
kind they were in my misfortune. And so was your--your father's widow.
No one knows how good the world is, till grief comes to try us. 'Tis
through my Lady Marlborough's goodness that Beatrix hath her place at
Court; and Frank is under my Lord Chamberlain. And the dowager lady,
your father's widow, has promised to provide for you--has she not?"

Esmond said, "Yes. As far as present favor went, Lady Castlewood was
very good to him. And should her mind change," he added gaily, "as
ladies' minds will, I am strong enough to bear my own burden, and make
my way somehow. Not by the sword very likely. Thousands have a better
genius for that than I, but there are many ways in which a young man of
good parts and education can get on in the world; and I am pretty sure,
one way or other, of promotion!" Indeed, he had found patrons already
in the army, and amongst persons very able to serve him, too; and told
his mistress of the flattering aspect of fortune. They walked as though
they had never been parted, slowly, with the grey twilight closing
round them.

"And now we are drawing near to home," she continued, "I knew you would
come, Harry, if--if it was but to forgive me for having spoken unjustly
to you after that horrid--horrid misfortune. I was half frantic with
grief