“Thanks. Now come with me and let me introduce you to my mother and sister, who are both here at Stamfield House; and, Mr. Meredith,” the young lord added, grasping his hand again, and speaking with emotion, “I cannot be sufficiently grateful to you, for you have put new life and hope into my heart to-night.” Ralph tried to feel generously glad for this, but it was not in human nature not to experience a pang over the happiness which he knew was in store for him, especially when he knew, too, that it would be at the expense of his own. “I am very glad if I have been able to atone in any way for my rudeness upon first meeting you,” he said, smiling faintly. “Do not mention it; you were espousing a good cause, and through your championship I shall regain what is far dearer to me than life; so we will forget the unpleasantness of a moment, and I trust I may call you my friend in the future.” Lord Carrol then led the way back to Lady Stamfield’s drawing-room, where, seeking his mother and sister, he presented his new friend to them. Mrs. Sherbrooke Ralph found to be a handsome, genial matron, with a large heart and plenty of Christian charity, although it was plainly to be seen that her two children, in her estimation, were perfect in every respect. No one ever before possessed a more noble and devoted son; no one had so charming a daughter. Miss Vivien Sherbrooke was truly that; she was even more beautiful than she had appeared to be when he saw her on the stage in the character of a songstress. She was vivacious and witty, and exerted herself to the utmost to be entertaining to her brother’s new acquaintance, and Ralph actually forgot himself and the haunting pain which had hitherto pursued him during all his wanderings, while talking with her and listening to her bright conversation, and watching her quick, graceful motions. “Archie tells me that you are coming to dine with us to-morrow, Mr. Meredith,” she said, as her mother came to tell her that it was time for them to go. “Yes, I believe I am to have that pleasure,” he returned, with a glance of admiration into her sparkling eyes. “I am glad, for I have a hundred questions to ask you about America which only a true American can answer. You will be sure to come?” “I certainly shall,” he replied, thinking that those clear gray eyes, looking so frankly and smilingly into his, were about as beautiful as any he had ever seen. CHAPTER XXXV. MRS. RICHARDS’ GREAT EXPECTATIONS. The following day Mr. Meredith, according to his promise, went to dine with Lord Carrol at his mother’s elegant mansion near Belgrave Square. After the meal was over, and the other guests comfortably disposed of, Archie took his friend up into the “sanctum,” as he called it, for a smoke and a quiet talk.