When the annals of the family told, in years to come, the story of his mistaken marriage, it would be amply redeemed by the grand alliance Beatrice would be sure to contract.
His hopes rested upon her and centered in her.

As he sat watching the glowing embers, there came to him the thought that what Beatrice was to him he had once been to the father he was never more to see.

Ah! If his daughter should be like himself if she should ruin his hopes, throw down the air castle he had built--should love unworthily, marry beneath her, deceive and disappoint him! But no, it should not be--he would watch over her.

Lord Earle shuddered at the thought.
During breakfast on the morning following his return Lady Helena asked what his plans were for the day--whether he intended driving the girls over to Holte.
"No," said Lord Earle.

"I wish to have a long conversation with my daughters.