She clung to him like a tired child.
"And you will forgive me all, papa?—as Precious did, sweet angel!"
"I will forgive you all, and you must forgive me, dear. I have been to blame for all. Now promise me you will try to be happy again."
"If you will try to love me again, dear papa! You know how I have always worshiped you."
She felt his tears on her brow—a strong man's tears—and knew she had won a warmer place than ever before in his noble heart.
From that hour a new life began for Ethel. She was none the less beautiful because of that crown of snow-white tresses, but she did not care for admiration now. It was not likely she would ever marry.
And she rejoiced as much as any one when in the summer that letter came from Earle telling them that the new Earl of Fairfield, a vulgar boor, had broken his neck on the hunting field, and that Arthur had come into his rights again.
"Little Blue Eyes will be a countess some day, and Ladybird declares that a coronet will become her royally," wrote Earle, in his pride over his favorite sister; but no thrill of jealousy stirred Ethel's tranquil heart. She had conquered herself in a hard-fought battle, and in all the world there was to her no dearer name than Precious.
THE END.