"Oh, Charles!" exclaimed Mrs. Sidney, "I know that you have hundreds and thousands of pounds at your disposal; again, again, I warn you that your sin is great. In the sight of God you are but the steward of this vast property, and to Him will you have to render an account of its disposal. My son, my son, while there is time, oh! change this heart of stone;" and overcome by her bitter feelings she burst into tears. "My hundreds and thousands of pounds," returned Lord Sereton, without appearing in the least degree moved, "are wanted to pay for an estate which is contiguous to my present property, and which I am determined on having. By joining them together, I shall increase the value of each." "Is it you, then," exclaimed Mrs. Sidney, with an expression of horror in her countenance, "is it you then, who have been bidding so cruelly against the former owner? that good man who, having been compelled from unforeseen misfortunes to sell his inheritance in early life, has worked indefatigably for thirty years to win back the house of his fathers, and preserve the honour of the family. He was your father's friend too." "What have I to do with friendship that existed before I was born?" said the unfeeling youth, sulkily; "I _will_ have the estate, I tell you." "Hush--hush," murmured the mother, and her words seemed almost prophetic, "it is God that WILLS, not man; and even now I think HE does not will this cruelty." "Aunt, let us go," said William, "I am as grateful to you as if your mission had been successful." "Let me call _you_ son:" exclaimed Mrs. Sidney, taking William's hand with affection; "I will no longer own that selfish and cruel child." And to this pass had the hardening heart, and the growing covetousness of Charles Sidney brought him: to be disowned by his mother on his one-and- twentieth birthday, at the moment of his earthly pride, and of his acquiring princely possessions! Yet now, even at this eleventh hour, a merciful God might have pardoned and protected him. The feasting and attempted merry-making went off heavily. There was no spirit of love, or reverence, or gratitude, to warm the hearts of the tenantry, or make their lips eloquent; and not a few were glad when the day was drawing to a close. Towards evening, the young lord mounted his horse, and rode in the direction of the much admired neighbouring estate. Wishing to examine some particular spots minutely, and to revel in the contemplation of the whole without being disturbed, he was not even accompanied by a groom.