"Sir John Manners!" cried Madge, taking a step backward. Her surprise was so great that she forgot to acknowledge the introduction. "Dorothy, what means this?" she continued.
"It means," replied Dorothy, nervously, "that Sir John is my very dear friend. I will explain it to you at another time."
We stood silently for a few moments, and John said:—
"I hope I may find favor in your heart, Lady Madge. I wish to greet you with my sincere homage."
"Sir John, I am glad to greet you, but I fear the pendulum of which Dorothy spoke will swing very far backward erelong."
"Let it swing as far back as it chooses," answered Dorothy, with a toss of her head, "I am ready to buy and to pay for happiness. That seems to be the only means whereby we may have it. I am ready to buy it with pain any day, and am willing to pay upon demand. Pain passes away; joy lasts forever."
"I know," said Sir John, addressing Madge, "I know it is not prudent for Malcolm and me to be here to-day; but imprudent things seem to be the most delightful."
"For men, Sir John," returned Madge. "Upon women they leave their mark."
"I fear you are right," he answered. "I had not thought of my visit in that light. For Mistress Vernon's sake it is better that I do not remain in Derby."
"For Mistress Vernon's sake you shall remain," cried that impetuous young woman, clutching John's arm.