"I shall not be afraid to face my father now," he said, "I have a talisman."
Yet his fair young face grew paler as they reached Dunmore House. It was a terrible risk, and he knew it—a terrible ordeal. He realized what he had done when the housekeeper told him the earl awaited him in the dining-room. A decided sensation of nervousness came over him, and he looked at the fresh, proud, glowing beauty of his young wife to reassure himself. She was perfect, he felt that, and he was satisfied.
"Give me your hand, Leone," he said, and the touch of that little hand gave him new courage.
He went in leading her, and the earl sprung from his seat in startling amaze. Lord Chandos went boldly up to him.
"Father," he said, "allow me to introduce to you my wife, Leone, Lady Chandos."
The earl gave a terrified glance at the beautiful southern face, but made no answer.
"I have to ask your forgiveness," continued the young lordling, "for having married without your consent; but I knew, under the circumstances, it was useless to ask it, so I married without."
Still the same terrified look and utter silence.
"Father," cried Lord Chandos, "why do you not welcome my young wife home?"
Then Lord Lanswell tried to smile—a dreadful, ghastly smile.