“I have but one relative in the world, an only brother, and he is an artist.  He lives on his art, and I was thinking what a privilege he would consider it of what benefit it would be to him, if he could see those pictures.”

“Your brother is an artist!  I see no reason why he should not profit by this really beautiful collection of pictures.  Would he like to visit Thorpe Castle, do you think?”

“You are too kind, Lord Ridsdale.  I should say it would be a glimpse of paradise to him.”

“Then by all means.  Miss Lyster, write and ask him.  I cannot extend the invitation for any lengthened period, as we have so many visitors, but if he will come for a week I shall be delighted to see him.”

She thanked him until his lordship was in a perfect glow of benevolence to think what a kind and generous action he had performed.  His wife did not look quite so pleased when he told her; but then, my Lord Ridsdale was not a man of great observation.

CHAPTER X.

As a result of the conversation in the picture-gallery the young artist, in compliance with an invitation of Lord Ridsdale, came over to Thorpe Castle.  Long before he came Marion had grown sick of the deception and weary of the chains that bound her.

She was naturally so frank, so open, that the need for concealment troubled her greatly.  She had the warmest affection for Lady Ridsdale.  She would have liked above all things to have trusted and confided in her.  It was torture to the girl to think that she was helping others to keep secret from her that which she ought to know.  She shrank from Miss Lyster.  She no longer cared to be beguiled by long walks in the shrubbery, to hear nothing but praises of “my brother,” and the oft-told tale of his love for her.  Association with refined, honorable, high-minded people was doing its work with her; anything approaching deceit, falsehood or meanness revolted her.

Those were not the best possible dispositions in which Allan could find her.  He had not reckoned upon these better influences; he had not thought that when she came to contrast his behavior with that of others she would see how deficient in all honor and manliness it had been; he trusted to the glamor of love, and behold! there had been no love on her part; nothing but gratified vanity.

He was very pleased to go to Thorpe Castle—­he thought nothing would advance his cause more than for her to meet him among her own class, meet him as her equal in some respects, if not in all.

“I am so happy,” said Adelaide Lyster to her on the morning of the day on which he was expected.  “I am so very happy, Marion, and you”—­

But no answering enthusiasm shone in Miss Arleigh’s face, and Adelaide noticed it.

“Allan will enjoy himself so much here,” she continued.  “Ah!  Marion, the sight of you will be like sunshine to flowers to him.”