|Leaping from his steed in the court-yard of the old Hall, Captain
Danvers inquired for Lady Thicknesse; and learning that she was with
Lady Barfleur, in the drawing-room, he hastened thither, and found the
two ladies in question, with Lord Courland, Sir Bridgnorth, and his
brother Scrope.
His looks caused general consternation, since all could perceive from
them that some direful calamity-had happened.
Lord Courland rushed up to him, and, taking his hand, said:
“You bring us bad news, I'm afraid, Captain Danvers?”
“I do, indeed, my lord,” he replied in a sorrowful tone; “very painful
news.”
At these words, the whole party gathered round him.
“To whom does your bad news relate?” inquired Lady Thicknesse.
“Chiefly to Mrs. Calverley,” he replied.
“Great Heaven, my worst fears are realised!” exclaimed Lord Courland, in
a voice of anguish and despair. “Does she still live?”
“Death would be a release in her present state!” replied Captain
Danvers. “She has swallowed poison.”
“Poison!” echoed several voices.
“And I am the cause of this dreadful act!” cried Lord Courland.
“Calm yourself, my lord, I entreat you!” said Captain Danvers. “It is
not exactly as you suppose. That love for you has led this unhappy lady
into the commission of a dreadful act is certain; but the attempt at
self-destruction, which no doubt will end fatally, has been made solely
to escape the consequences of her crime.”
The whole assemblage listened in horror to what was said.
“I will not ask you for any farther explanation,” cried Lord Courland,
“unless you feel justified in giving it to me. But you have made certain
dark allusions that ought to be cleared up. You charge Mrs. Calverley,
whom I love dearly in spite of all, with the commission of a dreadful
crime, to which she was instigated by love for me. What has she done? Is
it a secret?”
“No, my lord,” replied Captain Danvers, with great feeling. “It is
perfectly well known at Ousel-croft. She has attempted to poison her
step-daughter, Mildred.”
“But what was the motive?” demanded Lord Courland.
“To prevent Mildred from profiting by her father's will. Had she died
before the projected marriage, the property would have remained with
Teresa.”
Lord Courland looked aghast.
“There is every reason to hope Mildred will recover,” pursued the
captain. “Doctor Spencer is confident he can save her. He cannot save
Mrs. Calverley, because remedial measures were too long delayed.”
A groan burst from Lord Courland.
“Pardon me, Lady Barfleur,” he said, turning to her, “if I quit you thus
abruptly. I know you will excuse it under the circumstances. I shall
return at once to Ouselcroft.”
“I will go with you,” said Scrope.
And they quitted the room together.
“I am quite as agitated and distressed as his lordship,” observed Lady
Thicknesse. “You must take me back, Sir Bridgnorth.”
“I will order the horses at once,” he replied. “In a few minutes the
phaeton shall be ready.”
And he departed on the errand.
“I grieve to leave thus, dearest sister,” said Lady Thicknesse. “But it
cannot be helped.”
“I know it cannot,” Lady Barfleur replied. “Let me see you to-morrow.
But nobody has told me how Emmeline is?”
“You needn't be uneasy about her, dear aunt,” replied Captain Danvers.
“Through all this anxiety and trouble, Emmeline has kept up most
wonderfully. I saw Rose, her attendant, not much more than an hour ago,
and she said her young mistress had scarcely suffered from a headache.
And now, dear aunt, I must take a hasty leave. Like the rest, I shall
return to Ouselcroft, to see the end of this sad business. Adieu!”
Shortly afterwards Sir Bridgnorth appeared at the door to give Lady
Thicknesse notice that the phaeton was ready.
“It is fortunate you have got Sir Bridgnorth with you, sister,” observed
Lady Barfleur. “He is one of the most sensible and most agreeable men I
know.”
“I am glad to hear you say so, sister,” replied Lady Thicknesse. “He
proposed as he drove me here this morning, and I accepted him.”
“Bless me! That _is_ news!” cried Lady Barfleur. “Come here, dear Sir
Bridgnorth,” she added, signing to him. “I must have a word with you. I
have just heard something that has enchanted me. You are made for
each other. Now don't stop here a moment longer, but take her to the
carriage. Goodbye!”