on. That fact was the succession to the title. Everyone said the heir was a lucky fellow; and if everyone was poorer than the heir would be, he utte

UNATE, Y

Arthur Dalziel may propose at last with good hope of success. Lady Hes

ttled it i

ts deliverances on such nice points, had a fe

profession, they were nasty, old-fashioned creatures who knew nothing of the nobility of a life lived for the sake of art. That is quite a modern notion, by the way, so these ancient gossips must be pardoned. They did not know of Lady Hester's appalling preference, or their venom would have been seventy tim

tring broke with a harsh snap. He had overstrained it. "Never mind," he said, "it can be easily replaced

iel, slightly older-looking, but handso

," said the old peer; "he's

by it, easily, if need

whether he's to come right

it's more than

e been a sad burden to you otherwise. You pi

Mr. Dalziel,"

hastily and handed

hands warmly with his companion, saying, in an

rd Alison was dead. Society smiled and awaited further developments, feeling quit

: but that night Giovanni and he each attended a funeral. Neither funeral was Lord Alison's. Dalziel interred,

ould sacrifice something for his sake. Doubtless she cares nothing for me,

thing to lose, and he owes me his training. Besides, I cannot give her up. She must acc

dirges at th

f Giovanni's coming of age, so that birthday of his was a somewhat dull one. He said he wo

ing what he did, opened and read it. It contained an offer to restore to Giovanni, for a consideration, a document that would disclose the mystery of his origin.

th the new Lord Alison. At last the girl yielded to her father's commands and her admirer's entreaties. She fancied it was the common lot of women to be sacrificed so; then, too, Giovann

Lord Alison's nephew ("though he's not his nephew, really," said the knowing world), was to play twice. His second piece on the programme

seen the scrap of old MS. music from which his protector had played the air that brought them together. Dalziel declared he h

o. Lady Hester was to be his accompanist, so he took her into his confidence, fancying, poor boy, that she would be delighted at the surprise in store for her betrothed. She gave him a look that he could not understand, and murmured something about the subtle spell of old melodies. Giovanni, for answer, took up his instrument and the practising proceeded. Loyalty to his friend made him pur

it's the last time

ye, Gio

BYE, H

but this was to be their true farewell. Something in her tones, in her

ste

ova

, at length; "I have promi

quest; but you must promise me

it must be so, now that my word is pledg

t the concert. G

Giovannino,