This had brought back the fire and bloom into Lady Hope's life, and when Lord Hilton leaned out, as he had done with Lady Clara, and exclaimed, "There is Houghton," a glorious smile broke over her features.
CHAPTER XXX.
THE FAMILY MEETING AT HOUGHTON.
The train which took Caroline and her party down to Houghton, reached their destination just as the sun was setting over the glorious old trees of the park, and trembling in golden brightness in the ivy that clung to those twin towers.
Scarcely had they left the train, when a basket-carriage came dashing up to the platform, and a young lady sprang out, tossing her reins to a dainty little tiger, who sat behind, erect and decorous, knowing himself to be an object of general attention.
"So you are really here. I am so glad to find you! All right, this way—jump in; don't be afraid, the ponies are gentle as gentle can be. Here we are, never mind the others. There is a carriage on the way for them; but, of course, I got here first; always do. Give me the reins, Joe—now for it."
The little carriage wheeled around, and Lady Clara looked back, nodding to Brown, as her ponies took the road in full speed.
"Nice old fellow, isn't he? I am so glad to get him here, for I am going back on my music terribly."
"Did you know he is my father?" said Caroline, in a gentle voice.
"No!"