THE FINAL ADVANCE 209 be the Marquis of Langdale ; but in another two years he will blossom out into his full title, and then I suppose we shall lose him.”

Gregory, whose knowledge of the English peerage was extremely limited, looked puzzled.

May I ask how that it ? ” he said. I always thought that the next heir to a title succeeded to it as soon as his father died.”

“As a rule that is the case,” the Major said, “but the present is an exceptional one. At the death of the late marquis the heir to the title was missing. I may say that the late marquis only enjoyed the title for two years. The next of kin, a brother of his, had disappeared, and up to the present no news has been obtained of him. Of course he has been advertised for, and so on, but without success. It is known that he married, but as he did so against the wish of his father he broke o£P all communication with his family, and it is geprally supposed that he emigrated. Pending any news of him the title is held in abeyance.

“ He may have died ; it is probable that he has done so, for he could hardly have escaped seeing the advertisements that were inserted in every paper. Of course, if he has left children they inherit the title. After a lapse of five years Mr.

Hartley’s father, who was the next heir and who 'died five years ago, applied to be declared the inheritor of the title, but the peers or judges or someone decided that twenty-one years must elapse before such an application could be even considered. The income has been accumulating ever since, so that at the end of that time it is probable that Mr. Hartley will be allowed to assume the title.

“Will the estates go with the title. Hartley?” “ Oh, I should say so, of course ! ” the other drawled ; “ the title would not be of much use without them.”

“ Honsense, my dear fellow ! ” another said ; “ why, a fellow with your personal advantage and a title would be able to command the AAierican market and to pick up an heiress with millions.”