"I want you, then, to arrange to spend at least half the year with me here. You can leave the army; I do not think that it is a profession that suits you. Live here, and fill the place of a son to me. I have no sons left. Be as like one of them as it is in your power to be." In spite of himself Hugo's face fell. Leave the army, leave England, bury himself for half the year with an old woman in a secluded spot, which, although beautiful in summer and autumn, was unspeakably dreary in winter? She had not required so much of Richard or Brian; why should she ask for such a sacrifice from him? Mrs. Luttrell watched his face, and read pretty clearly the meaning of the various expressions which chased each other across it. "It seems a hard thing to you at first, no doubt," she said, composedly. "But you would find interests and amusements in course of time. You would have six months of the year in which to go abroad, or to divert yourself in London. You should have a sufficient income. And my other condition is that you marry as soon as you can find a suitable wife." "Marry?" said Hugo, in dismay. "I never thought of marriage!" | "You will think of it some time, I presume. An early marriage is good for young men. I should like to see you married, and have your children growing up about me." "Perhaps you have thought of a suitable lady?" said Hugo, with a half-sneer. The prospect that had seemed so desirable at first was now very much lowered in his estimation, and he did not disguise the sullen anger that he felt. But he hardly expected Mrs. Luttrell's answer. "Yes, I have." "Indeed! Who is it?" "Miss Murray. Elizabeth Murray, to whom your cousins' estates have gone." "What sort of a person is she?" "Young, beautiful, rich. A little older than yourself, but not much. You would make a fine couple, Hugo. She came to see me the other day, and you would have thought she was a princess." "I should like to see her," said Hugo, thoughtfully. "Well, you must just go and call. And then you can think the matter over and let me know. I'm in no hurry for a decision." "You are very good, Aunt Margaret." "No. I am only endeavouring to be just. I should like to see you prosperous and happy. And, while you are here, you will oblige me by considering yourself the master of the house, Hugo. Give your own orders, and invite your own friends." Hugo murmured some slight objection. "It will not affect my comfort in the least. I kept some of the horses, and one or two vehicles that I thought you would like. Use them all. You will not expect to see very much of me; I seldom come downstairs, so the house will be free for you and your friends. When you have decided what you mean to do, let me know." Hugo thanked her and retired. He did not see her again until the following evening, when she met him with a question. "Have you seen Miss Murray yet?" "Yes," said Hugo, lowering his eyes. "And have you come to any decision?" "Yes."