[ THE STORY OF RENÉE OF ANGERS ]
[ LAURA WENLOCK'S CHRISTMAS EVE ]
THE ROYAL REGIMENT.
CHAPTER I.
THE RUTHVENS OF ARDGOWRIE.
"Thank Heaven, then I am not too late!" exclaimed Roland Ruthven, as he sprung on the horse that awaited him at the door of the hotel where he had arrived but an hour before; "there is no message for me specially?"
"None, sir," said the mounted groom, touching his hat, and shortening his gathered reins.
"My father——"
"Is living still, Master Roland; but that is all, I fear," replied the old man, with a sigh.