It was really a pleasant home when all completed, and Lillian thanked her uncle and Lady Heath most heartily for their kindness, and seemed quite interested in the domestic details of their small establishment.
In three weeks from the time of Sir William’s return, Lady Linton took possession of Fernleigh, a sadder if not a wiser or a better woman, and there she literally buried herself, making no visits, and denying herself to all callers.
Lillian, however, showed a much better spirit, and tried to look upon the bright side of their condition. She was growing very fond of the new occupants of their old home, and was often invited to visit Heathdale, and when Harry Webster at last came, for his long-promised visit to Rupert, she did not fail to recognize the young man’s superiority over her old admirer, Lord Ernest, while Mr. Webster’s admiration for the brilliant brunette was very marked from the first.
In less than three months it was formally announced that Lillian Linton would, in the following fall, through her marriage to Mr. Webster, become a naturalized citizen of America, the country which she had once affected to so despise.
Mr. Knight and his sister paid Lady Heath a visit in March, and were overjoyed to find all her sorrow at an end and the future looking so bright.
They were persuaded to remain until after the marriage of Rupert and Virgie, which was to occur about Easter.
A grand wedding had been arranged, and after a tour on the Continent the young couple were to reside at Englewood for a portion of each year and spend the remainder with Sir William and Lady Heath at their town house in London.
Lillian was invited to officiate as chief bridesmaid, assisted by the Misses Huntington and the Duke of Falmouth’s eldest daughter, while, of course, Harry Webster was to be “best man.”
The ceremony occurred in the fine old church at Heathdale, which was crowded with the elite of the country for miles around, for a report of the beauty of the heiress of Heathdale had spread far and near.
Sir William gave away the bride, and the gift was accompanied with his heartiest blessing.