Thus, with all his strong will, there were times when he could not control
himself or his grief.
He had been absent from England for over two years, when the news came to
him far out in America of his Uncle Hubert's death. So he had gone to join
the world of spirits in the vast beyond! Paul did not care! His only
feeling was one of relief. No more fear of hearing, perhaps, some chance
idle word. But he remembered his mother had loved her handsome brother, and
he wrote a tender letter home.
Then something in the Lady Henrietta's answer touched him vaguely and
decided him to return. After all--because life was a black barren waste to
him--what right had he to dim all joy in the two who had given him being?
Yes, he would go back, and try to pick up the threads anew.
There were great quiet rejoicings in his parents' hearts at their son's
third homecoming. And like a wild beast tamed for a time to perform tricks
in a circus, Paul conformed to the ordinary routine. The question of his
entering Parliament was mooted again, but this he put aside. As yet he
could face no ties. He would do his best by staying at home most of the
year--but when that call of anguish was upon him, he must be free once more
to roam.
Then hope began to bloom in the Lady Henrietta's heart as flowers after
rain.
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