"Quite true," replied Lionel. And he gave Mr. Bitterworth a summary of the facts.
"Now look there!" cried Mr. Bitterworth, who was evidently deeply impressed; "it's of no use to try to go against honest right: sooner or later it will triumph. In your case, it has come wonderfully soon. I told my old friend that the Massingbirds had no claim to Verner's Pride; that if they were exalted to it, over your head, it would not prosper them—not, poor fellows, that I thought of their death. May you remain in undisturbed possession of it, Lionel! May your children succeed to it after you!"
Lionel and Jan continued their road. But they soon parted company, for Jan turned off to his patients. Lionel made the best of his way to Deerham Court. In the room he entered, steadily practising, was Lucy Tempest, alone. She turned her head to see who it was, and at the sight of Lionel started up in alarm.
"What is it? Why are you back?" she exclaimed. "Has the train broken down?"
Lionel smiled at her vehemence; at her crimsoned countenance; at her unbounded astonishment altogether.
"The train has not broken down, I trust, Lucy. I did not go with it. Do you know where my mother is?"
"She is gone out with Decima."
He felt a temporary disappointment; the news, he was aware, would be so deeply welcome to Lady Verner. Lucy stood regarding him, waiting the solution of the mystery.
"What should you say, Lucy, if I tell you Deerham is not going to get rid of me at all?"
"I do not understand you," replied Lucy, colouring with surprise and emotion. "Do you mean that you are going to remain here?"