CHAPTER II.

The December sun had hidden its dull rays behind the huge rocks that

rose monstrously high west of Dunfern mansion, and ceased to gladden the

superb apartment Sir John occupied most part of the day. They had

withdrawn their faint reflection from within the mirrored walls of this

solitary chamber to brighten other homes with their never-dying sheen.

As the dull, grey evening advanced to such a degree as to render a look

of brightness imperative to the surroundings of its sole occupant, Sir

John requested that his favourite apartment should be made bright as

possible by adding more fuel to the smouldering ashes within the

glistening bars which guarded their remains. This being done, three huge

lamps were lighted, and placed at respectable distances from each other,

when Sir John, with his accustomed grace, began to peruse some of his

evening papers.

Though a man of forty summers, he never yet had entertained the thought

of yielding up his bacheloric ideas to supplace them with others which

eventually should coincide with those of a different sex; in fact,

he never had bestowed a thought on changing his habits and manner of

living, nor until fully realising his position of birthright, that had

been treasured by his ancestors for such a lengthened period, and which,

sooner or later, must pass into strangers' hands, did the thought ever

occur to him of entering into the league of the blessed.

The clock had just chimed nine when a maid entered with a note, neatly

laid on a trim little tray, which she placed on the table close beside

her master, and then retired. It was rather unusual for him to receive

letters so late in the evening, nor until he was in full possession of

its contents he could not form the faintest imagination of its worth.

Not far from Dunfern Mansion may be seen situated on a rising hill the

beautiful Castle of Lord and Lady Dilworth, a prominent building

commanding the finest view in the county. It had been remodelled by the

present owner, after inheriting it from his late maternal uncle--Lord

Leyburn; and, although equipped with all modern improvements and

inventions necessary, yet there dwelt a lack of design and beauty about

it possessed by Dunfern Mansion.

The bountiful owner of Dilworth Castle differed much in many respects

from Sir John Dunfern. He was a nobleman of rare tact and capacities;

a keen sportsman; a Turf frequenter; an ardent politician; and, in fact,

a lover of everything which served to promote the interests of his

extended and varied social circle in particular, and entire community in

general.

Lady Dilworth, it may here be mentioned, was never of a very robust

nature, and often had she felt the great strain of society press rather

heavily on her weak frame, so much so, as to render the adoption of the

subject of this book indispensable. Drawing his chair closer to the

table, on which one of the great lamps stood, Sir John proceeded to

peruse the contents of the note. It was an invitation from Lord and Lady

Dilworth to attend a ball at Dilworth Castle on 22nd prox., given by

them in honour of the marriage of Henry, fifth Marquis of Hill-Hall,

with Ethel, Countess of Maidstone.

Lord Dilworth and the Marquis were personal friends of Sir John, and to

accept this kind and courteous invitation would mean a step towards the

summit of the matrimonial ladder, by meeting the majority of the

fully-fledged belles in and around Canterbury, and especially Irene

Iddesleigh, Lord Dilworth's adopted daughter, more generally known as

"The Southern Beauty." He slept over the matter that night, with the

result that next morning he wrote accepting the kind invitation, more

through curiosity than desire.

Although he led a quiet and retired life, generally speaking, still he

did not absent himself totally from a few social meetings occasionally,

and if imagination painted his future in the manner so artfully designed

by Lady Dilworth, no doubt this visit to Dilworth Castle might convert

it into reality.

Arriving at the elegant castle, with its tower of modern fame, and

spires of Gothic structure, Sir John was met in its great hall by the

genial hostess, who conducted him to the brilliant reception-room,

superbly laid out for the comfort of its guests; and being the first to

arrive, was thus afforded a good opportunity of inspecting the many

valuable relics and works of art that adorned its huge and velvety

walls.

On the centre wall right opposite where he sat hung a painted portrait,

life-size, an admirable production of the well-known artist, "Peto," and

not knowing where such an original of perfection and beauty could be

found, he resolved to inquire, when opportunity offered, whose portrait

it might be.

At this stage the numerous guests began to assemble, including the

majority of the leading gentry in and around Canterbury, as it was

looked upon as the chief social event of the season. Mothers were most

fidgetty that their daughters should don their costliest gowns and

brilliants, as rumour had it that the noble heir to Dunfern estate

should honour the assembly with his august presence.

Report gained ground that Sir John, having quietly crept out of boyhood

for a lengthened period, would end his days harnessed singly, but idle

gossip, flying at all times kite-high, soon gave place in the wavering

minds of society belles to that of more serious consideration and

welcome expectancy.

On being introduced to all those outside his present circle of

acquaintance on this evening, and viewing the dazzling glow of splendour

which shone, through spectacles of wonder, in all its glory, Sir John

felt his past life but a dismal dream, brightened here and there with a

crystal speck of sunshine that had partly hidden its gladdening rays of

bright futurity until compelled to glitter with the daring effect they

soon should produce. But there awaited his view another beam of life's

bright rays, who, on entering, last of all, commanded the minute

attention of every one present--this was the beautiful Irene Iddesleigh.

How the look of jealousy, combined with sarcasm, substituted those of

love and bashfulness! How the titter of tainted mockery rang throughout

the entire apartment, and could hardly fail to catch the ear of her

whose queenly appearance occasioned it! These looks and taunts serving

to convince Sir John of Nature's fragile cloak which covers too often

the image of indignation and false show, and seals within the breasts of

honour and equality resolutions of an iron mould. On being introduced to

Irene, Sir John concluded instantly, without instituting further

inquiry, that this must be the original of the portrait so warmly

admired by him. There she stood, an image of perfection and divine

beauty, attired in a robe of richest snowy tint, relieved here and there

by a few tiny sprigs of the most dainty maidenhair fern, without any

ornaments whatever, save a diamond necklet of famous sparkling lustre

and priceless value.

As the evening rolled into the small hours of the morning, the numerous

guests began to repair to their respective homes, none of the weaker sex

having had the slightest advancement in the direction of their coveted

intentions, save Irene, who was fortunate in securing the attention of

Sir John Dunfern during the happy hours that fled so quickly.

Immediately before taking his departure he pressed firmly her snowy

hand, and left the pretty-gilded area which surrounded his first hopes

of matrimony to enter what he was beginning to believe the weary

apartments of Dunfern Mansion, that previously had held him bound to

them in hermit-like fashion.