"
"Beatrice," said Lillian, as they descended the broad staircase,
"I am frightened. I wish I could remember something of papa
his voice or his smile; it is like going to see a stranger. And
suppose, after all, he does not like us!"
"Suppose what is of greater importance," said Beatrice proudly
"that we do not like him!"
But, for all her high spirits and hauteur, Beatrice almost
trembled as the library door opened and Lady Earle came forward
to met them. Beatrice raised her eyes dauntlessly and saw before
her a tall, stately gentleman with a handsome face, the saddest
and noblest she had ever seen--clear, keen eyes that seemed to
pierce through all disguise and read all thoughts.
"There is Beatrice," said Lady Helena, as she took her hand
gently; and Ronald looked in startled wonder at the superb beauty
of the face and figure before him.
"Beatrice," he said, kissing the proud, bright face, "can it be
possible? When I saw you last you were a little, helpless
child."
"I am not helpless now," she replied, with a smile; "and I hope
you are going to love me very much, papa.
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