My father and mother are
most anxious to see me; and now, after what has happened, it is right
that I should be at their side."
"You are a good son, Lord Lydstone," she said, but there was the
slightest sneer concealed beneath her simple words.
"I have not been what I ought, but now that I am the only one left I
feel that I must defer to my dear parents' wishes in every respect."
He said this with marked emphasis.
"They have views for you, I presume?" Mrs. Wilders asked, catching
quickly at his meaning.
"My mother has always wanted me to settle down in life, and my father
has urged me--"
"To marry. I understand. It is time, they think, for you to have sown
your wild oats?"
"Precisely. I have liked my freedom, I confess. Now there are the
strongest reasons why I should marry."
"To secure the succession, I suppose."
"We have surely a right to look to that!" said Lord Lydstone, rather
haughtily.
"Oh! of course. Everyone is bound to look after his own. And the
young lady--has she been found?"
Lord Lydstone coloured at this point-blank question.
"I have been long paying my addresses to Lady Grizel Banquo," he said.
"Oh! she is your choice? I have often seen her and you together."
"We have been friends almost from childhood; and it seems quite
natural--"
"That you should tie yourself for life to a red-headed, raw-boned
Scotch girl.
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