AN UNEXPECTED DISCOVEKY 879 proved himself to be the son of the late Gregory Hilliard Hartley, brother of and heir to the late Marquis of Langdale, and was therefore seized of the title and estates. As soon as the case was decided, Gregory went down again to Devonshire and asked his aunts to take charge for him. This they at first said was impossible, but he urged that if they refused to do so he should be driven to go back to the Soudan again.

“ My dear Aunts,” he said, “ what in the world am I to do ? I know no one ; I know nothing of English customs or society; I should indeed be the most forlorn person in existence, with a large country estate and a mansion in London.

I want someone to introduce me into society and set me on my legs, manage me and my house, and preside at my table.

I am not yet twenty, and have not as much knowledge of English ways as a hoy of ten. I should be taken in and duped in every way, and be at the mercy of every adventurer.

I feel that it would be a sacrifice for you to leave your pretty home here, but I am sure, for the sake of my father, you will not refuse to do so.”

His aunts admitted that there was great justice in what he said, and finally submitted to his request to preside over his house until, as they said, the time came when he would introduce a younger mistress. Zaki, when his six months’ trial was over, scorned the idea of returning to the Soudan, declaring that if Gregory would not keep him he would rather beg in the streets than go back there.

“ It is all wonderful here,” he said ; “ we poor Arabs could not dream of such things. Ho, master, as long as you live, I shall stay here.”

“ Very well, Zaki, so be it; and I can promise you that if I die before you, you will be so provided for, that you will be able to live in as much' comfort as you now enjoy, and in addition you will be your own master.”

Zaki shook his head. “ I should be a fool to wish to be my own master,” he said, after having such a good one at present.”