here. Then on,
along the familiar road, towards the manor-house; past the white gate,
within sight of little Longfield.

"It looks just the same--the tenant takes good care of it." And John's
eyes turned fondly to his old home.

"Ay, just the same. Do you know your wife was saying to me this
morning, that when Guy comes back, when all the young folk are married,
and you retire from business and settle into the otium cum dignitate,
the learned leisure you used to plan--she would like to give up
Beechwood. She said, she hopes you and she will end your days together
at little Longfield."

"Did she? Yes, I know that has been always her dream."

"Scarcely a dream, or one that is not unlikely to be fulfilled. I like
to fancy you both two old people, sitting on either side the fire--or
on the same side if you like it best; very cheerful--you will make such
a merry old man, John, with all your children round you, and indefinite
grandchildren about the house continually. Or else you two will sit
alone together, just as in your early married days--you and your old
wife--the dearest and handsomest old lady that ever was seen."

"Phineas--don't--don't." I was startled by the tone in which he
answered the lightness of mine. "I mean--don't be planning out the
future. It is foolish--it is almost wrong. God's will is not as our
will; and He knows best."

I would have spoken; but just then we reached the manor-house gate, and
plunged at once into present life, and into the hospitable circle of
the Oldtowers.

They were all in the excitement of a wonderful piece of gossip; gossip
so strange, sudden, and unprecedented, that it absorbed all lesser
matters. It burst out before we had been in the house five minutes.

"Have you heard this extraordinary report about the Luxmore family?"

I could see Maud turn with eager attention--fixing her eyes wistfully
on Lady Oldtower.

"About the earl's death. Yes, we saw it in the newspaper." And John
passed on to some other point of conversation. In vain.

"This news relates to the present earl. I never heard of such a
thing--never. In fact, if true, his conduct is something which in its
self-denial approaches absolute insanity. Is it possible that, being
so great a friend of your family, he has not informed you of the
circumstances?"

These circumstances, with some patience, we extracted from the voluble
Lady Oldtower. She had learnt them--I forget how: but news neve