"Oh, Dr. Ashton, will you not forgive me? The horrible trouble I brought
upon myself is over now. I don't rejoice in it under the circumstances,
Heaven knows; I only speak of the fact. Let me come to your house again!
Forgive me for the past."
"In one sense the trouble is over, because the debts that were a
formidable embarrassment to Mr. Elster are as nothing to Lord Hartledon,"
was the reply. "But let me assure you of one thing: that your being Lord
Hartledon will not make the slightest difference to my decision not to
give you my daughter, unless your line of conduct shall change."
"It is changed. Dr. Ashton, on my word of honour, I will never be guilty
of carelessness again. One thing will be my safeguard, though all else
should fail--the fact that I passed my word for this to my dear brother
not many hours before his death. For my sake, for Anne's sake, you will
forgive me!"
Was it possible to resist the persuasive tones, the earnestness of the
honest, dark-blue eyes? If ever Percival Elster was to make an effort for
good, and succeed, it must be now. The doctor knew it; and he knew that
Anne's happiness was at stake. But he did not thaw immediately.
"You know, Lord Hartledon--"
"Call me Val, as you used to do," came the pleading interruption; and Dr.
Ashton smiled in spite of himself.
"Percival, you know it is against my nature to be harsh or unforgiving;
just as I believe it contrary to your nature to be guilty of deliberate
wrong.
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