The tears sprang to his eyes, his gentle nature was filled with gratitude.
"My lord," he said, grasping the cold hand, "I cannot thank you; thanks for such a gift were idle and vain. Only one who has waited for years, hoping against hope until the heart was sick, can tell what I feel now. My lord, if you will pardon me I will take my leave."
"Good-by, my dear boy," said the earl, "good-by; you will find Ethel in the park. Heaven bless you!"
Bertie found himself outside—how he scarcely knew—bathed in delight and satisfaction.
Where should he find Ethel? Every moment he was away from her now seemed an insane delay.
Where——As he hurried to make his way to the Park there came around the corner, smiling and serene as usual, Mr. Howard Murpoint.
A short gentleman leaned upon his arm.
"Ah, Mr. Fairfax, how d'ye do?" said the captain, with a sunny smile of friendly greeting. "What a delightful morning. Allow me to introduce my friend—Mr. Wilhelm Smythe, Mr. Bertie Fairfax."
Bertie shook hands with the captain, and bowed slightly to his friend, then with a nod hurried on.