There was a silence that alarmed Louis, who had never before named his mother to the Earl.  At last, Lord Ormersfield spoke clearly and sternly, in characteristic succinct sentences, but taking breath between each.  ’You shall have no reason to think me prejudiced.  I will tell you facts.  There was a match which she desired for such causes as lead her to seek you.  The poverty was greater, and she knew it.  On one side there was strong affection; on that which she influenced there was—­none whatever.  If there were scruples, she smothered them.  She worked on a young innocent mind to act out her deceit, and without a misgiving on—­on his part that his feelings wore not returned, the marriage took place.’

‘It could not have been all her own fault,’ cried Louis.  ’It must have been a willing instrument—­much to blame—­’

His father cut him short with sudden severity, such as startled him.  ’Never say so, Louis.  She was a mere child, educated for that sole purpose, her most sweet and docile nature wasted and perverted.’

‘And you know this of your own knowledge?’ said Fitzjocelyn, still striving to find some loophole to escape from such testimony.

The Earl paused, as if to collect himself, then repeated the words, slowly and decidedly, ’Of my own knowledge.  I could not have spoken thus otherwise.’

‘May I ask how it ended?’

’As those who marry for beauty alone have a right to expect.  There was neither confidence nor sympathy.  She died early.  I—­we—­those who loved her as their own life—­were thankful.’

Louis perceived the strong effort and great distress with which these words were uttered, and ventured no answer, glancing hastily through all his connexions to guess whose history could thus deeply affect his father; but he was entirely at a loss; and Lord Ormersfield, recovering himself, added, ’Say no more of this; but, believe me, it was to spare you from her manoeuvres that I kept you apart from that family.’

‘The Northwold baths have been recommended for Louisa,’ said Fitzjocelyn.  ’Before we knew of your objections, we mentioned Miss Faithfull’s lodgings.’

What the Earl was about to utter, he suppressed.

‘You cannot look at those girls and name manoeuvring!’ cried Louis.

‘Poor things.’

After a silence, Lord Ormersfield added, with more anxiety than prudence, ’Set my mind at rest, Louis.  There can have been no harm done yet, in so short a time.’

‘I—­don’t—­know—­’ said Louis, slowly.  ’I have seldom spoken to her, to be sure.  She actually makes me shy!  I never saw anything half so lovely.  I cannot help her reigning over my thoughts.  I shall never believe a word against her, though I cannot dispute what you say of my aunt.  She is of another mould, I wish you could let me hope that—­’

A gesture of despair from his father cut him short.

‘I will do whatever you please,’ he concluded.