"No," said Lord Earle. "I wish to have a long conversation with
my daughters. We shall be engaged during the morning. After
luncheon we will go to Holte."
Ronald, Lord Earle, had made up his mind. In the place where his
father had warned him, and made the strongest impression upon
him, he would warn his children, and in the same way; so he took
them to the picture gallery, where he had last stood with his
father.
With gentle firmness he said: "I have brought you here as I have
something to say to you which is best said here. Years ago,
children, my father brought me, as I bring you, to warn and
advise me--I warn and advise you. We are, though so closely
related, almost strangers. I am ready to love you and do love
you. I intend to make your happiness my chief study. But there
is one thing I must have--that is, perfect openness, one thing I
must forbid--that is, deceit of any kind, on any subject. If
either of you have in your short lives a secret, tell it to me
now; if either of you love any one, even though it be one
unworthy, tell me now. I will pardon any imprudence, any folly,
any want of caution--everything save deceit.
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