In one respect the natural succession to it by Sir Felix would generally be considered fortunate.

It had happened that a title had been won in a lower branch of the family, and were this succession to take place the family title and the family property would go together.

No doubt to Sir Felix himself such an arrangement would seem to be the most proper thing in the world,--as it would also to Lady Carbury were it not that she looked to Carbury Manor as the future home of another child.

But to all this the present owner of the property had very strong objections.

It was not only that he thought ill of the baronet himself,-- so ill as to feel thoroughly convinced that no good could come from that quarter,--but he thought ill also of the baronetcy itself.