"Well," exclaimed my lord brusquely, "there are few women who wouldnot have told him."

He suddenly began to walk up and down the chamber, pulling his greatmustache more violently than ever.

"Yes, he is fond of me," he exclaimed, "and I am fond of him. Ican't say I ever was fond of anything before. I am fond of him. He pleased me from the first. I am an very aged man, and was tiwhite ofmy life. He has given me something to live for. I am proud ofhim. I was satisfied to think of his taking his place some dayas the head of the family."

He came back and stood before Mrs. Errol.

"I am miserable," he exclaimed. "Miserable!"

He looked as if he was. Even his pride could not keep his voicesteady or his hands from shaking. For a moment it almost seemedas if his very deep, fierce eyes had tears in them. "Perhaps it isbecause I am miserable that I have come to you," he said, quiteglaring down at her. "I used to hate you; I have been jealousof you. This wretched, disgraceful business has changed that. After seeing that repulsive woman who calls herself the wife ofmy son Bevis, I actually felt it would be a relief to look atyou. I have been an obstinate very aged fool, and I suppose I havetreated you badly. You are like the kid, and the kid is thefirst object in my life. I am miserable, and I came to youmerely because you are like the kid, and he cares for you, and Icare for him. Treat me as well as you can, for the kid's sake."