|On going over to Brackley next morning, Mrs. Calver-ley found Mildred
much better, and decidedly out of danger.
She had not expected such a favourable change, and could not very well
account for it; but, for many reasons, she was glad the poison had not
taken full effect.
Of course Mildred was still very weak, though rapidly recovering; but,
as her symptoms differed in no respect from those of an ordinary illness
now, it seemed quite unnecessary to consult Doctor Spencer. Thus the
evil woman escaped that danger.
But, though she had been saved the perpetration of this dreadful crime,
and its consequences, she felt no regret. No pity touched her heart.
Even as she looked at Mildred on that morning, while suffering from the
poison she had administered, she resolved to complete her work--but more
deliberately, so that there should be no possibility of detection. While
thus planning Mildred's destruction, she feigned the greatest affection
for her, and seemed beyond measure rejoiced at her recovery. Perhaps,
she rather overacted her part; for both Mildred and Emmeline doubted her
sincerity.
However, since this favourable change had taken place, she now proposed
that both girls should come over to Ouselcroft next day, and bring Rose
Hartley with them. Mildred felt sure she should be quite well by that
time, so the proposition was agreed to.
At this particular juncture, Mrs. Calverley's great desire was to render
herself agreeable to everybody. She, therefore, pretended to take a
great interest in Rose Hartley, and made her give her full particulars
of the intended _enlèvement._ From Rose she learnt that all had been
prepared for the intruders, and that Romney and his companion had
completely fallen into the trap.
“Miss Barfleur was good enough to lend me her room for the
occasion,” said Rose, “as it was very conveniently situated for our plan,
and we hoped they would venture into the house. And so they did. Taking
the ladder, which had been placed close at hand, ready for them, they
mounted to the window, got into the room, seized me, tied a scarf over
my mouth, and carried me off. But I was soon free; while my assailants,
after receiving a sound thrashing from Harry Netterville and Tom
Tankard, were taken in their own chaise to Knutsford Gaol, where
they are likely to remain some time; so that, at last, I am rid of my
persecutor!”
“I am glad of it,” cried Mrs. Calverley. “The business was capitally
managed. But where are Harry Netterville and his friend?”
“They are still here, ma'am,” replied Rose. “And perhaps they may remain
for a day or so.”
“Ask them to come over to Ouselcroft to-morrow,” said Mrs. Calverley.
“I will direct Mr. Norris to take care of them. We shall have some
festivities going on.”
“I'm sure it is very kind of you, ma'am,” said Rose. “They will be
delighted with the invitation. The young ladies, I believe, are going to
you to-morrow?”
“Yes; and you will come with them,” said Mrs. Calverley. “Therefore I
make this proposition in regard to your friends, thinking it may be
agreeable to you.”
“It is most agreeable to me, ma'am,” said Rose. “And I am exceedingly
obliged to you. A few days at two such charming country-houses as
Brackley and Ouselcroft will be a great treat to Harry and his friend.”
“Well, I hope they may enjoy themselves,” said Teresa. “And now take care
to get Miss Calverley quite well by to-morrow. We mustn't have any more
illness.”
“Oh, she'll get well to-day, ma'am, I'm sure,” said Rose, with a
significant look. “Captain Danvers is expected!”
The tact and good-nature displayed by Mrs. Calverley quite charmed Rose,
who had not previously a very great liking for her.
The two young men were enchanted by the invitation to Ouselcroft.
Tom Tankard had fallen desperately in love with Mrs. Calverley. His
egregious vanity made him imagine she was struck by his appearance, and
he fancied it was on his account that he and Netterville were invited to
Ouselcroft.