"Earlescourt would be wretched," he said, "if that fatal lake
remained."
The day after the family left Earlescourt, he had workmen
engaged. No one was sorry at his determination. Lady Helena
highly approved of it. The water was drained off, the deep basin
filled with earth, and tall saplings planted where once the water
had glistened in the sun. The boat house was pulled down, and
all vestige of the lake was done away with.
Lionel Dacre came home one evening from the works in very low
spirits. Imbedded in the bottom of the lake they had found a
little slipper--the fellow to it was locked away in Dora's
drawer. He saved it to give it to her when she returned.
Chapter XLIV
Two years passed away, and the travelers thought of returning.
Lillian had recovered health and strength, and, Lord Earle said,
longed for home.
One bright June day they were expected back. Lionel Dacre had
driven to the station. Lady Earle had laid aside her mourning
dress, and sat anxiously awaiting her son. She wished the
homecoming were over, and that they had all settled down to the
new life.
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