"And may not I go too?" asked Anna.
"If you can command your feelings to hear the account he may give of himself, without discovery, I have no objection," replied Mrs. Meridith.
"I think I can, after what has already passed," said Anna: "pray let me go; I will not say a word;" and they descended to the parlour together.
The Stranger rose at their entrance; while Anna shrunk behind her protectress. His appearance was not uninteresting, and though a deep melancholy sat upon his features, it might be seen he had once been handsome; he looked older than he really was, and his clothes and address evinced him to be above a common person.
"Pray be seated, Sir," said Mrs. Meridith, "I am come to thank you for your assistance to Miss Meridith; I hope my servant has not neglected to offer you some refreshment," and she rang the bell. The Stranger bowed, and declined taking any thing; and hoped the young lady was quite recovered.
Anna's lips moved, but her pale and agitated countenance told him she was not. When Syphax entered, he replenished the fire, and placed something to eat and drink on the table, but still the Stranger refused it.
"Are you quite unknown in the village, Sir?" asked Mrs. Meridith.
"At present I am, Madam; but I expect to meet—I have been acquainted"—here he hesitated, and was again silent.
"You will think my questions very impertinent, Sir," resumed Mrs. Meridith, "if I do not tell you that I take your name to be Eastwood."
"And is it possible any one can know me?" exclaimed the man, and covering his face with his hand: "Oh! do not say you do; for I am truly ashamed of what I have been."