As time passed on all constraint between Lord Earle and his daughters wore away; Ronald even wondered himself at the force of his own love for them.

He had made many improvements since his return.

He did wonders upon the estate; model cottages seemed to rise by magic in place of the wretched tenements inhabited by poor tenants; schools, almshouses, churches, all testified to his zeal for improvement.
People began to speak with warm admiration of the Earlescourt estate and of their master.
Nor did he neglect social duties; old friends were invited to Earlescourt; neighbors were hospitably entertained.

His name was mentioned with respect and esteem; the tide of popularity turned in his favor.

As the spring drew near, Lord Earle became anxious for his daughters to make their debut in the great world.