“Indeed, no tidings of any kind had been received from him for a long time.
“He seemed to have forgotten poor Leoline, and she pined alone in deep sorrow.
“It was whispered abroad that, with the money which old Lord Warbeck had left him, Charley intended to buy up the estates of a neighbouring castle.
“This rumour proved to be true, and Edward thought that his brother intended it as the future residence of Leoline—his bride.
“The estates which Charles had purchased was in full view of Warbeck Castle, and the whole country around were astonished at the magnificence with which it had been furnished.
“Everything that money could do was done to render this new residence worthy of those who were to occupy it.
“Six months rolled on, and Charles returned not, nor did any one hear a single word of his doings, or whereabouts.
“At the end of a twelvemonth, and when the new castle was fit for habitation, a startling rumour reached the ears of Edward (now Lord) Warbeck, and the fair orphan, Leoline.
“Charles had returned, and brought back with him a French bride, of amazing beauty, and fabulous wealth!
“Leoline was the first to disbelieve the rumour, but the only one.