Mrs. Ralston handed this letter to Paul, who read it with scarcely any emotion except to smile when she spoke of visiting Mr. Fenner. Incidentally he had heard that the old earl and young earl were dead and only Ralph’s bachelor brother stood between him and the title. He was an invalid, and who could tell what possibilities were in store for Clarice? “Lady Fenner would not sound badly, and she would fill the bill well,” Paul thought, as he passed the letter back to his mother. It was all over between him and Clarice. He had known that for some time, and could think of her now without a pang, except as the heart always responds with a quick throb to the memory of one loved and lost. That day was a hard one for Paul, but, exhilarated with his freedom and innocence proved, he kept up bravely, seeing all who called and declaring himself perfectly well. The next day, however, the reaction came. Nature was clamoring for pay, and she took it with interest, reducing Paul so low that for weeks he never left his room, and when he began to recover, his physician recommended that he be taken away from a place where he had suffered so much. Boston was not to be thought of. He must go farther than that, and about the middle of January the Ralston House was closed, and the family started for Southern California. Tom went with them as Paul’s attendant, and as he stepped on board the boat he looked anxiously round, thinking to himself, “If I am to be arrested it will be now when they know I am leaving.” But he was not arrested then or ever. People had said they supposed something ought to be done, but no one was willing to do it. They were tired out with the excitement they had gone through, and were not disposed to have another, which could only end in Tom’s acquittal. It was an accident anyway, and no blame could attach to Tom, except allowing the guilt to fall upon Paul. If the Ralstons could forgive him, they could. The Ralstons had forgiven him, and thought more of him than ever, so they let the matter drop. “Hanging by the ears,” Tom said, feeling always a little uncertain as to what might befall him yet. But when the boat moved from the shore and no effort was made to detain him he gave his fears to the winds and felt that he was safe. CHAPTER XLIII. AFTER EIGHTEEN MONTHS. Mr. and Mrs. Paul Ralston, maid and valet, were staying at the Grand Hotel in Paris and making occasional trips to Versailles, St. Germain, Vincennes and Fontainebleau. They had just returned from the latter place, where they had spent a few days. Mrs. Paul was in her room dressing for dinner, while her husband went to Munroe’s for any letters which might have come from home during his absence. “I think I will wear my new dress to-night,” the lady said to her maid, and by her voice we recognize Elithe, whom we saw last in the crowded court room in Oak City testifying against Paul.