Hours seemed to pass in the space
of a few minutes.
"You married her," said Lord Earle, in a low, hoarse voice,
"remembering what I said?"
"I married her," replied Ronald, "hoping you would retract hard,
cruel words that you never meant. I could not help it, father;
she has no one but me; they would have forced her to marry some
one she did not like."
"Enough," interrupted Lord Earle. "Tell me when and where. Let
me understand whether the deed is irrevocable or not."
Calmly, but with trembling lips, Ronald gave him every
particular.
"Yes, the marriage is legal enough," said the master of
Earlescourt. "You had to choose between duty, honor, home,
position--and Dora Thorne. You preferred Dora; you must leave
the rest."
"Father, you will forgive me," cried Ronald. "I am your only
son."
"Yes," said Lord Earle, drearily, "you are my only son. Heaven
grant no other child may pierce his father's heart as you have
done mine! Years ago, Ronald, my life was blighted--my hopes,
wishes, ambitions, and plans all melted; they lived again in you.
I longed with wicked impatience for the time when you should
carry out my dreams, and add fresh luster to a grand old name.
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