"But is he sure that his son is dead? What joy if he were mistaken,--if the son yet lived!" "Nay, my uncle has a brave heart, and he is resigned. But, pardon me, have you heard anything of that son?" "I!--what should I hear? I would fain learn, however, from your uncle himself what he might like to tell me of his sorrows--or if, indeed, there be any chance that--" "That--what?" "That--that his son still survives." "I think not," said I; "and I doubt whether you will learn much from my uncle. Still, there is something in your words that belies their apparent meaning, and makes me suspect that you know more than you will say." "Diplomatist!" said Lady Ellinor, half smiling; but then, her face settling into a seriousness almost severe, she added,--"it is terrible to think that a father should hate his son!" "Hate!--Roland hate his son! What calumny is this?" "He does not do so, then! Assure me of that; I shall be so glad to know that I have been misinformed." "I can tell you this, and no more (for no more do I know), that if ever the soul of a father were wrapped up in a son,--fear, hope, gladness, sorrow, all reflected back on a father's heart from the shadows on a son's life,--Roland was that father while the son lived still." "I cannot disbelieve you!" exclaimed Lady Ellinor, though in a tone of surprise. "Well, do let me see your uncle." "I will do my best to induce him to visit you, and learn all that you evidently conceal from me." Lady Ellinor evasively replied to this insinuation, and shortly afterwards I left that house in which I had known the happiness that brings the folly, and the grief that bequeathes the wisdom. CHAPTER IV. I had always felt a warm and almost filial affection for Lady Ellinor, independently of her relationship to Fanny, and of the gratitude with which her kindness inspired me; for there is an affection very peculiar in its nature, and very high in its degree, which results from the blending of two sentiments not often allied,--namely, pity and admiration. It was impossible not to admire the rare gifts and great qualities of Lady Ellinor, and not to feel pity for the cares, anxieties, and sorrows which tormented one who, with all the sensitiveness of woman, went forth into the rough world of man.