"My Uncle Charles!" said the young lord in amazement. "Why must he come here? Where is he now? Why should he be owner of Hurston?"
"He is next heir—your father's younger brother; he has been with his regiment in Canada for a great many years," she replied hurriedly. "But do not let us talk of sad fancies any longer. You will be strong as Cousin Percy in the spring, and will ride Floy as gayly as ever."
"But I want to hear about my Uncle Charles," said Arthur eagerly. "Did I ever see him?"
"When you were a little baby, perhaps. He has been in America ten years."
"Did you ever see him, Aunt Caddy?"
"Very often, dear," was the low reply.
"But why does he not come to England? Why did not grandpapa hear from him?" continued the eager little questioner.
"My dearest, you are too young to weary yourself with others' troubles. Your grandfather and his younger son parted in anger. They were both proud and passionate, and neither would forgive or yield; and now death has come between them," Aunt Caddy said sadly.
"And would he come to Hurston if I should die?"
"I scarcely think so, dear; he has few pleasant memories connected with it."