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to prove illegitimate, and so get possession of the property. He was not prepared for my renunciation of wedlock and domestic joys; nor for my adoption of a child whose inheritance would be secured by my brother's testimony, and that of other competent persons."

"The countess says she hopes to have several boys, if it be only to keep Mr. Morton out of the property. But if she should have none ?"

"We must look for a healthy, well-nurtured child elsewhere. He will, with God's blessing, be as a son to us both, Margaret. In our declining years, there will be a fresh source of joy to us both."

"Will you, supposing the child you adopt be a stranger, and not your nephew, will you make him bear your family name ?"

"No, Margaret; I shall then be the last of the Rabys. The old name had better die. It stands for something that has passed out of existence. It was a sound, strong race in the olden time, formed to rule its own, and teach gentle and simple how to live. If nobility obliges a man to do anything-it obliges me to sacrifice my individual feelings and affections for the good of the community-and to accept the sacrifice-(for it is one, though you say it is not !)—which you make to me. Is it not well that I should be the last of the Rabys, Margaret, wife of my soul ?"

And from that time forward they never wavered; but loved each other ever more and more. There was a chastened affection, a calm intensity of love between them, that I have never seen in any married pair. They were happier, too, than most, especially after seven years, when Lady Carleton having no son, Mr. Raby adopted me as his heir, and strove to make me worthy to hold and wield power.

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I have yet to show the world that Frank Hastings is not merely a very fortunate young man. As yet I have done little, except under Mr. Raby's direction; but I shall devote

my life to the task which he believes I can perform. I will not flinch from trouble, pain, or evil report, but will work right on, with all the help I can get, to make North Ashurst and its environs the abode of industrious, intelligent, happy human beings. My father's name and memory will help me, and the upward tendency of the social system in England will be in my favour. If all proprietors throughout the land were animated by Arundel Raby's noble benevolence, there would be an England to live in.

Having told the story of my aunt and my adopted father, that others may love and honour them as I do, I will lay down my pen. My pleasant holiday work is ended. I must be in London at the opening of Parliament, for I am Member for North Ashurst. To-day is Mr. Raby's sixtieth birthday. It has been celebrated by the presence of the Earl and Countess of Carleton, with their two daughters, both now married. We have had Mr. Grey, the bachelor rector, and my two brothers. Mr. Raby has had no attack of insanity for five years. He thinks he may never have another.

Last year Mr. Morton died, childless, and there is no fear that I shall ever be disturbed in the great inheritance to which, if I live long enough, I shall succeed.

What more can I say of my Aunt Margaret that shall convey to the reader the charm of her presence-the freshness of heart and mind which she possesses at fifty-seven ?—When she sits beside Mr. Raby, and listens to his conversation with I often think that no wife and mother can be more complete in all womanly endowments, than this old maiden lady.

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The lapse of the earldom of Carleton has somewhat soured the old age of the present earl; but Mr. Arundel Raby has become reconciled to it. "The wealth of the Rabys will enrich other houses, and there will be no more of our race,' he said awhile since to me. "God's will be done! For His purposes we were raised, and for His purposes we are brought to nought. I look to you, my boy, to found a new race-better fitted for these later times than our old one. You had a good

and noble father. Go forth into the world's fight, imitate him, and take for your motto, 'Fais ce que dois advienne que pourra. May the House of Hastings excel in all honourable things the House of Raby; then will its last son have succeeded in converting the evil of his own lot into a blessing for the rest of the world."

THE END.

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