‘The son of Sir Ratcliffe?’ said Lord Montfort.
‘The same,’ replied Henrietta.
‘You heard then of him last night?’ enquired her companion.
‘Even so; of that, too, I was about to speak.’
‘I am aware of the connection of Mr. Glastonbury with the Armine family,’ said Lord Montfort, quietly.
There was a dead pause. At length Lord Montfort said, ‘Is there anything you wish me to do?’
‘Much,’ said Henrietta. ‘Dearest Digby,’ she continued, after a moment’s hesitation, ‘do not misinterpret me; my heart, if such a heart be worth possessing, is yours. I can never forget who solaced me in my misery; I can never forget all your delicate tenderness, Digby. Would that I could make a return to you more worthy of all your goodness; but if the grateful devotion of my life can repay you, you shall be satisfied.’
He took her hand and pressed it to his lips. ‘It is of you, and of your happiness that I can alone think,’ he murmured.