heaped on it for the Earl's own expenses, it was likely that his only daughter Lady Eveline would be left penniless at his death. The Earl had married rather late in life, and prudently so far, for he had married an heiress, but as he had imprudently managed that her money should be completely at his own disposal, he had spent it, and was quite capable of spending another fortune like it; for though not young, he had as extravagant tastes and habits as ever. Lady Darlington chafed and fretted and reproached her husband when the money was gone, and bewailed the injustice that had robbed her daughter. On these occasions the Earl used to say—
"No fear of Eveline. She'll marry Herbert and be countess when you are dowager. Have I not kept friends with my heir for the very purpose? And he's a careful follow; he'll nurse the property a bit. I see he can't bear a stick of timber to be cut down; he is just a little too ready with his advice, and if it were not for Eveline I'd fire up. You suppose I have no command of my temper, Lady Darlington, but the curb I put on it in that fellow's presence for Eveline's sake is a tight one, and you reproach me with not caring about my daughter."
"It is only a chance you speak of, Lord
