"Still, perhaps, she is not the kind of lady you should marry. Let the little child's governess remain in peace, Aubrey. Straight ways are the best ways."
"You are a good fellow," returned the young baronet, easily touched by good advice. "I should like to see you happier, Adrian."
"I shall live my life," said Lord Chandon—and his voice was full of pathos—"do my duty, and die like a Christian, I hope; but my earthly happiness died when I lost my love."
"That was a sad affair," remarked Sir Aubrey.
"Yes; we will not discuss it. I only mention it to warn you as to admitting the love of any woman into your heart, for you can never drive it away again."
That day, after the gentlemen had entered the drawing-room, Sir Aubrey went up to Lady Dartelle. She was both proud and fond of her handsome son, who as a rule could do pretty much as he liked with her.
"Mother," he said, "why does not little Clara come down sometimes?"
"She can come, my dear Aubrey, whenever you wish," was the smiling reply.
"And her governess—what has she done that she is never asked to play and sing?"
At the mention of the word "governess" Lady Dartelle became suspicious. "He has seen her," she thought, "and has found out how pretty she is."