|The more Sir Bridgnorth saw of Mildred, the better pleased he was with
her.
Mrs. Calverley did not produce quite so favourable an impression upon
him, though he thought her very beautiful, and very clever. She seemed
to him wanting in heart--perhaps designing.
Taking this view of her character, he came to the conclusion that
she had married Mr. Calverley for his money, and possibly might have
alienated him from his son.
Three or four of Mildred's admirers called during the afternoon, and
they all seemed surprised at finding Sir Bridgnorth so much at home at
Ouselcroft. They could not believe that Mildred had accepted him--yet it
looked rather like it.
The young lady, however, did not trouble herself much about them; but,
leaving them to stroll about the garden with Mrs. Calverley, she took
Sir Bridgnorth to the library, telling him she wanted to show him a
picture.
It was the portrait of a very handsome young man, painted by a
well-known artist of the day. The features were regular and finely
formed, and very haughty in expression. The likeness was excellent, and
Sir Bridgnorth recognised it at once.
“'Tis your brother Chetwynd,” he said, “and wonderfully like him. I
should have known it anywhere.”
“He was extremely handsome then,” observed Mildred; “but I fear he must
be much changed now. At that time, he thought he should have all his
father's property, and expected to marry the beautiful Teresa Mildmay.”
“Yes; I know the story,” said Sir Bridgnorth, “and do not wonder at
his vexation at the double disappointment. He has suffered much for his
hasty temper. Things look very dark just now; but let us hope all may
come right in the end.”
She then drew his attention to another picture. “Your father. Yes; I
see. Time was, when I should have turned away from his portrait; but I
have quite forgiven him now.”
“Since poor papa's death, Mrs. Calverley cannot bear to look at that
portrait,” remarked Mildred. “But for my entreaties she would have it
put away, and she now rarely enters the room.”
“That is not surprising,” said Sir Bridgnorth. “The portrait awakens
painful memories.”
“But I am always pleased to look at it, and I loved papa dearly!” said
Mildred. “I often come here by myself, and think I am with him.”
At this juncture, their discourse was interrupted by the sudden entrance
of the very last person they expected to see.