Chapter 1
_ CHAPTER ONE
It was late in the afternoon when Mr Philip Ashton walked up to the door of his residence in Portman-square. His hand touched the knocker irresolutely. "It must be done," he said to himself. "May strength be given to all of them to bear the blow!" His hand shook as he rapped. The hall door flew open, a servant in handsome livery stood ready to take his hat and gloves. As he entered the drawing-room his wife and daughters rose to welcome him, with affection beaming in their eyes, as did his three sons, who had just arrived at home from different directions.
"Dear papa, you are not well," exclaimed Sophy, his eldest daughter, leading him to a seat.
"Philip, what is the matter?" asked his wife, leaning over him.
"Sit down, dears, and I will tell you," he answered, pressing her hand. "A severe trial has come upon us, but--"
"Dear Leonard, nothing has happened to him, I pray?" gasped out Mrs Ashton. Leonard was a sailor son, the only one now ab

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