|Three days afterwards, Chetwynd, accompanied by Captain Danvers, came
to Ouselcroft.
Mrs. Calverley, who seemed to have buried her former quarrels in
oblivion, gave him a very hearty welcome, and was particularly civil
to Captain Danvers. Mildred had returned on the previous day, bringing
Emmeline with her--so there was quite a little party in the house.
Everything look bright and cheerful, and Chetwynd was received like the
prodigal son.
All the household appeared delighted to see him again, and old Norris
declared it was the happiest day of his life. They all thought him
changed, and that his manner was much more sedate than it used to
be--the general impression being that he was greatly improved.
On entering the hall he stood still for a moment, and as he gazed around
a singular and indefinable expression crossed his countenance. But it
passed away quickly, and was succeeded by the grave composure that now
habitually distinguished him.
The look, however, had not been unnoticed by Norris, who was close
beside him, watching him anxiously, and made the old butler think he was
acting a part.
But it was in his own chamber, where no one could observe him, that
Chetwynd gave utterance to a few words that revealed the secret of his
breast.
“Once more I am in my father's house,” he murmured; “and I will never
quit it till I penetrate the mysteries it hides. At length I have
learned to dissemble, and my purpose shall not be thwarted by haste
or imprudence. The part is hateful to me, but I will play it, and with
care. My former want of caution will avert suspicion from my design. I
will not even make old Norris my confidant.”
He remained for some time in his room, occupied by a variety of
reflections, until at last he was disturbed by a tap at the door, and on
opening it, Norris came in.
Evidently, from his manner, he expected that Chet-wynd would make him
the depositary of some secret, but he was disappointed.
“Whatever may be your motive in coming back, I think you have acted
most judiciously,” he said; “and I am truly glad to find that a complete
reconciliation has taken place between you and Mrs. Calverley, though I
own I never expected it.”
“Yes, Norris,” replied Chetwynd. “We have become really friends. At one
time I never supposed it would be so, as you are well aware. But strange
things happen. I am very much changed since you saw me last.”
“Well, I own you _are_ changed, sir; but for the better--very much
improved. I hope you mean to reside here altogether now?”
“I do, Norris. Mrs. Calverley has behaved with great kindness to
me--with great generosity, I may say--and the animosity I felt towards
her has been completely extinguished in consequence. She has asked me
to make Ouselcroft again my home. I have accepted the offer, and here I
shall remain!”
“It would have been very unwise to refuse the offer, sir,” said Norris.
“But are you convinced of her sincerity?”
“I cannot doubt it, after such proofs as she has given me. I only
wonder she has shown so much forgiveness. But she shall have nothing to
complain of in future.”
“I approve of your determination, sir. Let bygones be bygones!”
Norris was completely puzzled.
He did not believe in the reality of the reconciliation, either on one
side or the other. But he saw plainly enough there would be a suspension
of hostilities.
Obviously, it was greatly to Chetwynd's interest to yield to his
step-mother; but hitherto, the step-son had proved so obstinate, that
any arrangement seemed impracticable. On the other hand, Norris had
believed that Mrs. Calverley harboured great resentment against him; but
now she seemed suddenly to have forgiven him.
Were they deceiving each other. He thought so.