I have no son. One thing remember--I am
not hard upon you--you can go where you like, see whom you like,
and spend what money you will, and as you will."
Lady Earle was not long in availing herself of the permission.
There was great excitement at the Elms one morning, caused by the
receipt of a letter from Lady Earle saying that she would be
there on the same day to visit the son's wife and children.
The little ones looked up to her with wondering eyes. To them
she was like a vision, with her noble face and distinguished air.
Stephen Thorne and his wife received the great lady not without
some trepidation; yet they were in no way to blame. The fatal
marriage had been as great a blow to them as to Lord and Lady
Earle. With the quiet dignity and graceful ease that never
deserted her, Lady Earle soon made them feel at home. She
started in utter surprise, when a quiet, grave woman, on whose
face sweetness and sullen humor were strangely mingled, entered
the room. This could not be pretty, coy, blushing Dora! Where
were the dimples and smiles? The large dark eyes raised so sadly
to hers were full of strange, pathetic beauty.
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