“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.