The earl did not make any immediate reply. He gazed intently in her face as if he would read her innermost thoughts—then, after a pause, said, in a firm tone of voice—
“That you give up your husband, who—but I need not tell you what he is—and be with me, be my adopted daughter.”
“The proposal is cruelly hard.”
“Not so hard as you think,” he rejoined. “Rank always has its penalties. How many queens have married for the good of their kingdom, and have given up the men they really loved? How many noble ladies at the call of duty have married men whom they have positively disliked? You do not understand these things, my dear Aveline. Not at present, but let us hope you will do so in good time.”
“I confess I do not,” she answered, sadly.
“Well, my darling, you are not required to suffer in a like degree. You have but to leave a man whose tastes, habits, and manners do not and cannot possibly accord with your own.”
“I have never had any reason to complain of my husband,” she answered quickly.
“Bah!” he ejaculated, “do not offend me by laudatory encomiums on one who is so far beneath you; but enough of this. You must think this matter seriously over, my dear Aveline. You know my wishes, and I do hope and trust you will endeavour to act in accordance with them.
“I shall do my best,” she answered, sadly; “but I suppose you will not forbid my returning to Wood Green for a short time—only for a short time?”
“I should not be justified in refusing this request,” he murmured, bending over her and kissing her fondly. “I am an old man, Aveline,” he observed, thoughtfully, “and the few years that may be yet in store for me would be brightened by your presence. Think of that, my child, and do not deem me harsh or exacting. Your husband I can never receive. Weigh the matter well over before you decide. For both our sakes it would be desirable that you should follow my advice, but I leave it for you to determine; and so, my child, return to your home at Wood Green as soon as you please, but remember all I have said to you.”