His brother John had never been his friend, therefore he knew that soon he must leave Stratfield. One thing he regretted to part from was the library, that fine old room in which he now stood, where he had spent so many long and studious days, and where he had sought refuge almost daily from his father's ill-temper. With hands deep in his pockets, he gazed slowly around the old place with its cosy armchairs and big writing-table, then sighed heavily. He was thinking of his father's angry declaration, "Erle Brooker's daughter shall never become a Stratfield." What did he mean? Were those words uttered because of some absurd prejudice, or was he actually aware of something which both Liane and Nelly had carefully striven to conceal? Again he glanced at his watch. The hour was fleeting. Soon his well-beloved would weary of waiting and return home. He pressed the electric button, and at once his summons was answered by a neat maid. "Tell Morton to saddle the bay mare and hold her ready. I may want to ride," he said. "Yes, sir," the girl answered, surprised at his unusual brusqueness. The door closed, and again he was alone. "At least I'll try and overtake her," he murmured. "I must see her to-night at all hazards," and as the sunlight faded he paced the room from door to window, his chin resting upon his breast. Soon the door again slowly opened, and the old solicitor entering, closed it after him. "It is my painful duty to tell you, Mr George, that your father has passed quietly away," he said, with that professionally solemn air that lawyers can assume when occasion demands. The young man standing with his back turned, gazing out upon the Park, made no response. "Before he drew his last breath I asked him three times whether he would see you again, but he firmly declined. You caused him the most intense displeasure by your refusal to grant his request," the solicitor continued. "Am I not my own master, Harrison?" the young man snapped, turning to him sharply. "Certainly," the other answered, raising his grey eyebrows. "I admit that I have no right whatever to interfere with your private affairs, but I certainly cannot regard your attitude and your father's subsequent action without considerable regret." "What do you mean?" "Apart from my professional connection with the Stratfield estate I have been, you will remember, a friend of your father's through many years, therefore it pains me to think that in Sir John's dying moments you should have done this." George Stratfield glanced quickly at the white-haired lawyer. Then he said,-- "I suppose my father has treated me badly at his death, as he did throughout his life." "Yes." "Well, let me know the worst," the young man exclaimed, sighing; "Heaven knows, I don't expect very much." "When the will is formally read you will know everything," the other answered drily.