He accounted for not seeking them earlier by the fact that, while they remained at Richmond, his uncle, whose health from long-continued suffering was but weakly established, could not bear him out of his sight, and that he had entreated him not to leave him till they returned to Oakwood.

This, young Fortescue afterwards discovered, was to give Lord Delmont time for the gratification of his wishes, which, from the time he had heard the line of Delmont was extinct, had occupied his mind.

Many of his father's old friends recognised him at once.

His father's and his sister's friends were eager to see and pay him every attention in their power.

He found himself ever a welcome and a courted guest, and happiness, so long a stranger from his breast, now faded not again.