"Because they must go to my wife. The family jewels are always the property of the reigning Countess of Linleigh." "But, papa, there is no reigning Countess of Linleigh," she said, with a little laugh. "No, my dear--not just at present; but I hope that there soon will be." His face flushed slightly, and he looked confused for a few moments. Then he said: "That is another of the things I want to speak to you about. I ought, perhaps, to tell you that I think of marrying again." There was a few minutes of dead silence. She did not quite like it; it was not what she had expected. She had anticipated being mistress of Linleigh Court. The earl continued: "It will be much happier for me, Doris, and decidedly better for you. You labor under great disadvantages at present, although I acknowledge your beauty, your grace, and your tact to be perfect; still, you require, before you make your _debut_ in the great world, to spend some little time in the society of a well-trained woman of the world." She was quick enough to know that this was perfectly true. "You are right, papa," she said, and the admission pleased him. "It will also be greatly to your advantage, Doris," he continued. "When you make your _debut_ in the great world, you will find the _chaperonage_ of a lady essential to you. Still, my child, although there are many advantages for you, do not let me mislead you. It is not for your sake I am going to marry; it is for my own, because I really love the lady who will soon, I hope, be Countess of Linleigh." She made a violent effort to conquer herself. There was nothing to be gained, she knew, by opposition--everything by cheerful acquiescence. She went to him and clasped her arms around his neck, and kissed his face. "I hope you will be happy, papa," she said--"I hope you will be very happy." "Thank you," he replied, cheerfully; "I do not doubt it, darling. I think we shall all be happy together. Guess, Doris, who it is that I hope soon to bring here." "I can't guess, papa. I do not know the ladies of your world." "You know this one," he said, laughingly, while she, half-frightened, said: "How can I?" "You have been to Downsbury Castle, have you not?" A sudden light came over her face, then she laughed. "Can it be Lady Estelle Hereford?" she cried. "Oh, papa, you will never forgive me for calling her tame." "I have forgiven you. Do you not think you will be very happy with her?" "I am sure I shall like her very much; she is so fair, so well-bred, so gentle. How little I dreamed, papa, on that day I was sitting so near to her, that she would be my step-mother--that I should ever live with her. I am so glad!" She did not understand why his face quivered, as with pain. He drew the bright golden head down to his breast.