|We will now return to Brackley Hall, where we shall find the two young
ladies.
They were still in a great state of uncertainty in regard to Chetwynd,
though Sir Bridgnorth had written them a letter calculated, in some
degree, to relieve their anxiety.
Of the two, Emmeline seemed to suffer most--probably because her
temperament was more vivacious than Mildred's; but it is certain that
the feelings she had formerly entertained for the inconstant Chetwynd
had completely revived, if not become intensified.
Mildred, as we have shown, was strongly attached to her brother, and
her affection for him remained undiminished, but constant and sad
disappointment had taught her to control her emotions. She did not say
so to Emmeline, but she scarcely hoped to behold him again.
Mrs. Calverley was at Ouselcroft, but she drove over almost every day in
the pony phaeton, and remained for an hour or two.
As to Lady Barfleur, she had been almost entirely confined to her room
since Sir Leycester's death.
Things were in this state at Brackley Hall, when one morning, about an
hour after breakfast, the two girls went out into the garden. They were
in an uneasy and excited state, but the soft air and the fragrance of
the flowers soothed them.
That morning's post had brought Mildred a brief letter from Sir
Bridgnorth Charlton. It contained only a few words, but they stimulated
curiosity and raised hopes.
“To-morrow, I shall send a messenger to you with some important
intelligence. Expect him soon after the receipt of this letter.
“B. C.”
They had been in the garden some little time, and were slowly returning
towards the house, when they saw a tall figure, dressed in black,
crossing the moat.
Evidently, it was the messenger from Sir Bridgnorth, as they had given
orders that he should be sent out to them.
But who was he? Could it be Chetwynd in person? Not a doubt about it.
On making this discovery, Mildred uttered a slight cry, and flying to
meet her brother, was clasped in his arms.
Emmeline stood still, and placed her hand upon her heart to check its
palpitations.
In another minute, Mildred disengaged herself from her brother's
embrace, and without stopping to make any inquiries, and scarcely to
exchange a word of greeting, led him towards Emmeline.
As he approached, Emmeline became pale as death, and felt as if she
should sink to the ground; but she sustained herself by a great effort.
She thought him changed. He had a careworn look, and his features were
sharper; but he was still very handsome--and, perhaps, he had more
interest for her, looking thus, than if he had appeared full of health
and spirits.
He raised his hat as he drew near, and took the hand she offered him,
but did not venture to address her till she spoke.
“I am truly glad to see you again, Chetwynd,” she said, in kind but
tremulous accents. “We have been very, very anxious about you.”
Having called him “Chetwynd” formerly, she did not hesitate to do so
now. It is impossible to describe how much he felt her kindness. But
he did not presume upon it, and scarcely dared to lift his eyes towards
her.
“I should not have ventured to present myself to you, Miss Barfleur,” he
said, “after my unpardonable conduct, had I not been strongly urged to
do so by Sir Bridgnorth Charlton, who told me you were good enough to
still take an interest in me. I felt that I must have for ever forfeited
your good opinion.”
“Not for ever,” she replied.
“I must go through a long period of probation ere I can hope to regain
it,” he rejoined. “I do not wish to make professions which you might
naturally discredit, but I intend henceforward to become a very
different man.”
“It rejoices me to find you have formed such a praiseworthy resolution,
dearest Chetwynd,” said his sister.
“I have had a very serious conversation with Sir Bridgnorth,” he
replied, “and what he said to me carried conviction with it. I am
determined to reform. As I have just stated, I do not expect you to
believe in the sincerity of my repentance till I have proved it. It
may be no easy task to change one's nature, to curb a hasty temper, and
check a propensity to folly and extravagance; but I have promised to do
it, and I will keep my word at any cost.”
“I am sure you will,” said Emmeline, “and the cost will be far less than
you expect.”
“But you must begin to reform at once,” said Mildred.
“I have already begun,” said Chetwynd. “Had I not done so, I should not
be here. This is my first step, and it will lead to all the rest.”
“But why should coming here be part of your probation?” asked Emmeline.
“You know not what I felt at the idea of appearing before you,” he
replied; “and had you treated me with scorn and contempt, it would
only have been what I deserved. Blinded by the charms of an artful and
deceitful woman, I threw away such a chance as rarely has fallen to the
lot of man; but when I recovered my senses, I comprehended what I had
lost. Bitterly did I reproach myself--but it was then too late to repair
my error, or at least I thought so--and the sense of my folly drove
me almost mad. I will not attempt to exculpate myself. My faults are
inexcusable. But this is their explanation. Had it not, been for Sir
Bridgnorth's encouragement I should not be here.”
“On all accounts, I am glad you have come,” replied Emmeline. “I do not
doubt what you tell me. Pass through the period of probation, and you
may be fully restored to favour.”
“How long a period do you enjoin?” he inquired, anxiously.
“A year,” she replied.
“'Tis not too much,” said Mildred.
“I am content,” he answered. “Nay, more, I am deeply grateful.”
“But you must likewise obey my commands--however hard they may seem,”
said Emmeline.
“I will cheerfully obey them all,” he replied.
“Then the first injunction I lay upon you is to become immediately
reconciled to your stepmother.”
“Ah!” he exclaimed.
“Do you refuse?”
“No,” he replied. “You could not have imposed a harder condition.
Nevertheless, I will obey you.”
“In all sincerity?”
“I promise to forgive her--if I can. At any rate, I will manifest no
more resentment.”
“But accept your allowance like a rational being,” said Mildred.
“Yes; Sir Bridgnorth and Mr. Carteret have argued me out of my
scruples.”
“I am truly glad to hear it,” said Mildred. “This is, indeed, a point
gained.”
“Mrs. Calverley generally drives over to luncheon,” observed Emmeline.
“I dare say she has arrived. Come and see her at once.”
Chetwynd made no objection, and they proceeded to the house.