The
scene seemed strange to him after so many years of the tropical
sun. Yet every breath of the sharp, frosty air invigorated him
and brought him new life and energy.
At length the little station was reached, and he saw the carriage
with his liveried servants awaiting him. A warm flush rose to
Lord Earle's face; for a moment he felt almost ashamed of meeting
his old domestics. They must all know now why he had left home.
His own valet, Morton, was there. Lord Earle had kept him, and
the man had asked permission to go and meet his old master.
Ronald was pleased to see him; there were a few words of
courteous greeting from Lord Earle to all around, and a few still
kinder words to Morton.
Once again Ronald saw the old trees of which he had dreamed so
often, the stately cedars, the grand spreading oaks, the tall
aspens, the lady beeches, the groves of poplars--every spot was
familiar to him. In the distance he saw the lake shining through
the trees; he drove past the extensive gardens, the orchards now
bare and empty. He was not ashamed of the tears that rushed
warmly to his eyes when the towers and turrets of Earlescourt
came in sight.
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