Page 7 (1/2)

Mr Salton waited eagerlyThe old diplomatist simply smiled

"I suppose you both know that I was much interested yesterday in theWatfords?"There was no denial or fending off the questionBoth theold men smiled acquiescenceAdam went on: "I meant you to see it--bothof youYou, uncle, because you are my uncle and the nearest of my ownkin, and, moreover, you couldn't have been more kind to me or made memore welcoHesimply held out his hand, and the other took it and held it for a fewseconds"And you, sir, because you have shownof the saht to expect"He stopped for an instant, much moved

Sir Nathaniel answered softly, laying his hand on the youth's shoulder

"You are right, htThat is the proper way to look atitAnd I may tell you that we olde hear words like those"

Then Ada with a rush, as if he wanted to come tothe crucial point

"Mr Watford had not come in, but Lilla and Mimi were at horeat regard for lad of that any way, for I like the tea,when Mr Caswall caroLilla openedthe door herselfTheof the living-rooeone, and froMr Caswallsaid he had ventured to call, as he wished to make the acquaintance ofall his tenants, in a less formal way, and more individually, than hadbeen possible to hiirls irls those, sir; someone will be very happysome day there--with either of them"

"And that man may be you, Adam," said Mr Salton heartily

A sad look ca man's eyes, and the fire his uncle hadseen there died outLikewise the ti it soundlonely

"Such ht crown my lifeBut that happiness, I fear, is not for me--ornot without pain and loss and woe"

"Well, it's early days yet!" cried Sir Nathaniel heartily

The young rown excessivelysad

"Yesterday--a few hours ago--that ree; but since then I have learned too much"

The old ue in sucha matter

"Too early to give in, my boy"

"I a man earnestly"But,after all, it is wise to realise a truthAnd when a , feels as I do--as I have felt ever since yesterday, when I firstsaw MisHeknows"