XXV. CAPTAIN DANVERS BRINGS DISTRESSING NEWS.
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!”