People began to speak with warm admiration
of the Earlescourt estate and of their master.
Nor did he neglect social duties; old friends were invited to
Earlescourt; neighbors were hospitably entertained. His name was
mentioned with respect and esteem; the tide of popularity turned
in his favor. As the spring drew near, Lord Earle became anxious
for his daughters to make their debut in the great world. They
could have no better chaperone than his own mother. Lady Helena
was speaking to him one morning of their proposed journey, when
Lord Earle suddenly interrupted her.
"Mother," he said, "where are all your jewels? I never see you
wearing any."
"I put them all away," said Lady Earle, "when your father died.
I shall never wear them again. The Earle jewels are always worn
by the wife of the reigning lord, not by the widow of his
predecessor. Those jewels are not mine."
"Shall we look them over?" asked Ronald. "Some of them might be
reset for Beatrice and Lillian."
Lady Helena rang for her maid, and the heavy cases of jewelry
were brought down. Beatrice was in raptures with them, and her
sister smiled at her admiration.
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