He told her all the circumstances of his cousin’s accident and the summons that had brought him thither; of his proposal to try and complete the manuscript of Lord Norton’s book, as, of course, Mr. William Heath would not be able to resume his work for a long time, and his lordship was liable to pass away without having his heart’s desire accomplished if he attempted to wait for his recovery. So it was finally agreed between them that they would wait at least until the completion of the manuscript before taking any steps for their reunion. They would see much of each other every day, while Sir William thought it would not be liable to create quite so much excitement in society if it was announced beforehand that he was soon to marry the niece of Lord Norton. He declared, however, that his sister should know nothing beyond that fact until their return to Heathdale; but Virgie was so happy in being reunited to the love of her youth that she was almost willing to overlook and forgive Lady Linton’s instrumentality in her previous suffering, and even to invite her and her family to be present when their new ties should be solemnized. But Sir William was inexorable. “No,” he said, sternly; “it shall come upon her like a thunderbolt out of a clear sky. She has always wanted me to marry, and doubtless she will be jubilant when I announce my intentions; then she will imagine her triumph over you complete, and she shall not be undeceived until she sees you enter our future home as its mistress, for, of course, she will never dream that you and Lord Norton’s niece are one and the same person; hers will be a double punishment when we all get home.” “Double! how so?” Virgie asked. “It has long been her desire to marry Lillian to Rupert, my ward; but it seems, my darling, that he has chosen our daughter to be his wife. How strange it all seems,” he concluded, thoughtfully. “How did you learn so much?” Virgie inquired, with some surprise. “The young gentleman himself came and told me a couple of days ago; he said he considered it his duty to inform me; but, let me tell you, my sister’s disappointment will be no light one when she learns the fact,” Sir William answered, all unsuspicious that her ladyship had learned the secret at the same time that he was informed of it. “Does Lillian care for him?” Virgie asked. “I am afraid she does,” was the sober response. “Poor child,” sighed Virgie, regretfully, “and I am really sorry for Lady Linton’s disappointment.” “Can you so readily forgive my sister, Virgie?”