|While the terrible scene just described was taking place up-stairs,
Chetwynd had quitted the breakfast-table and repaired to the library,
where he proposed to have an interview with Doctor Spencer, after the
latter had seen Mildred.
He subsequently learnt from Norris that the butler had had a private
conference with the doctor on his arrival, and had given him some
information that would serve to guide him in his proceedings.
Chetwynd thought the doctor a long time in coming down, and when at last
he entered the library, the young man did not augur very well from his
looks.
“I am afraid you find my sister worse than you expected, doctor?” he
said.
“She is in a very precarious state,”' replied Doctor Spencer. “Still, I
hope to save her life.”
Then assuming a different manner, he added, “I had better mention at
once that Norris has made certain disclosures to me, the truth of which
I have just ascertained.”
“You are satisfied, then, that an attempt has been made to poison my
sister?”
“I am,” replied the doctor.
“By her step-mother?”
“By Mrs. Calverley. I have discovered the poison in her room, and have
it now in my possession.”
“Then what should prevent us from instantly delivering her up to
justice? No pity ought to be shown her.”
“I think differently,” said the doctor. “I have promised that if I can
save your sister's life--as I hope I can--her own shall be spared.”
“She does not deserve such consideration,” cried Chetwynd.
“Perhaps you will think differently,” said the doctor, calmly, “when I
tell you that it is your sister's wish that she should be spared for a
life of penitence. The dear girl entreated me so earnestly to screen her
intended murderess, that I consented.”
Chetwynd was deeply moved.
“Mildred is an angel of goodness!” he exclaimed, in a voice half
suffocated by emotion.
“You would say so, if you had seen her, as I have done,” said the doctor.
“No one could be more gentle and patient, though she suffers much,
and she is perfectly resigned to her fate, whatever it may be. But she
desires spiritual counsel, and Miss Barfleur has written to Mr. Massey,
the chaplain of Brackley, requesting him to come to her forthwith, and
it is certain he will promptly obey the summons. Under such painful and
peculiar circumstances, and where it is necessary that secrecy should be
observed, no better man could be found than Mr. Massey.”
“I am certain of it,” said Chetwynd. “I have had experience of his
goodness. He is as judicious and discreet as he is strict in his
religious duties.”
“I must now go,” said the doctor; “but I shall return again ere long.
I need not say more to you about the necessity of attending to your
sister's wishes. Should she be disturbed or excited, I will not answer
for her life. I have already cautioned Norris, and I think he will
attend to my injunctions.”
“I will also speak to him,” said Chetwynd. “But you need not fear any
indiscretion on his part. Since you have made him aware of my sister's
wishes, he will attend to them--for he is strongly attached to her,
though he detests Mrs. Calverley. Unluckily, the house is full of
company; and you are also, I conclude, aware under what circumstances
Lord Courland is invited?”
“Yes; I understand that a matrimonial arrangement has been all but
concluded between his lordship and Mrs. Calverley. It is idle to
speculate as to what will now be the result. But I counsel you in no way
to interfere. Impossible you can do so without some explanation, which
cannot now be given. Your sister's wishes ought to be your paramount
consideration.” With this injunction, the doctor took his departure.