“You make light of the matter, my lord. I look upon it from a different point of view. I consider your path beset with danger, and that you cannot be too cautious. You ought not to travel without an escort.”
“It would be as well, perhaps, to have company on the road, but it is, after all, of no very great moment. I dare say I shall be able to reach home in safety.”
“I hope so, I am sure,” said Madame Trieste, “but you don’t know the natives of these parts so well as we do.”
“Certainly not. I don’t pretend to do so.”
“They are by nature treacherous, and are not to be trusted.”
“I don’t intend to put any trust in them, and for this reason I have no confidence in any of the rascals. But, my very dear friend,” said Ethalwood, in an altered tone, “there is now an imperative necessity for me to take my departure. I am constrained by the force of circumstances to leave. Before doing so I have to express to you my deep sense of gratitude for all your kindness—which will be remembered for the remainder of my life. Let me, my dear Madame Trieste, assure you that, although from the force of circumstances I am constrained to take an abrupt leave of you, that I shall bear with me the most lively sense of your motherly kindness, and at the same time that I shall always look upon you as one of my most attached friends, for beneath your roof I have passed the happiest years of my life.”
“Oh, my lord,” exclaimed the widow, “I am indeed proud of the encomiums you are pleased to pass upon me; but although we part now from stern necessity we shall, I hope, meet again under happier circumstances.”
“I hope so, I am sure,” said the earl, bending over her and imprinting a kiss on her forehead. “And now, my dear Theresa,” he added, “do not think I shall forget you. I shall bear you in my remembrance, and long for the time when we may be reunited.”
“Oh, my lord, my heart is too full for me to express myself in words. Be cautious—be mindful of the great peril you are now in, and for the rest let me hear from you. You will not forget your poor unhappy Theresa?”
“Never—never! I swear it,” cried the earl, embracing the young maiden with fervour.