your hands, no forfeiture has taken place, which must have been the case if he had claimed them for his nephew before this period.  Whatever be the result, you lose them altogether.  But I am happy that it is in my power,” he added, advancing towards him whom we have hitherto called Lord Sherbrooke, “to say that this reverse will not sink your family in point of fortune so much as might, be imagined.  That, sir, is spared to you, by your son’s marriage with this young lady.”

Caroline started up eagerly from the table, gazing with wild and joyful eyes in the face of Lord Sunbury, and exclaiming, “Have you, have you accomplished it?”

“Yes, my dear young lady, I have,” replied Lord Sunbury.

“The King, in consideration of the old friendship which subsisted between your father and himself, in youthful days, before political strifes divided them, has granted that the estate yet unappropriated shall be restored to you, on two conditions, one of which is already fulfilled—­your marriage with an English Protestant gentleman, and the other, which doubtless you will fulfil, residence in this country, and obedience to the laws.  He told me to inform you that he was not a man to strip the orphan.  You will thus have competence, happy, liberal competence.”

Her husband pressed Caroline to his bosom for a moment.  But he then walked round the table, approached his father, and kissed his hand, saying, in a low voice, “My lord, let a repentant son be at least happy in sharing all with his father.”

For once in his life his father was overcome, and bending down his head upon son’s neck, he wept.

Lord Sunbury gazed around him for a moment; but then turning to Lady Helen Oswald, he said, “I have much to say to you, but it must be in private.  Nevertheless, even now, let me say that your motives have been explained to me; that I understand them; that she who could sacrifice her heart’s best affections to a parent in exile, in poverty, in sickness, and in sorrow, has a greater claim than ever upon the heart of every noble man.  You have, of old, deeper claims on mine, and by the ring upon this finger, by the state of solitude in which my life has been passed, you may judge that those claims have not been forgotten—­Helen?” he added, taking her hand in his.

The Lady Helen turned her head away, with a cheek that was glowing deeply; but her hand was not withdrawn, and the fingers clasped upon those of Lord Sunbury.

The Earl smiled brightly.  “And now, my lord duke,” he said, “I besought your lordship about an hour ago to suspend your decision upon a point of great importance.  Did I do right?”

“My lord,” answered the Duke, gaily, “I hope I am not too quick this time; but my decision is already made.  Wilton, my dear boy, take her—­take her—­I give her to you with my whole heart!”