“In this village! Oh! then he is at the Red Fox! Let me get my bonnet and cloak!” she cried, rising to her feet.
“He is nearer to you than that,” said the minister. Then he drew the woman’s arm within his own and led her into the study.
“Mother!” exclaimed Longman, starting up and striding toward her with outstretched arms.
“Oh, my darling! my darling!” cried Elspeth, and she fell fainting on his bosom.
So much for the careful breaking of the news.
But she did not swoon to unconsciousness. She almost immediately recovered.
Then Longman seated her in the large armchair, and placed himself on the hassock at her feet. She put her arms over his shaggy head and smiled through her tears.
“Come!” said Hetty, laughing. “You and I are de trop in a room with such a pair of lovers as these!” And she slipped her hand through her husband’s arm and dragged him from the room without the reunited pair—so absorbed in their meeting—seeing them go.
CHAPTER XVI
THE SQUIRE’S ARRIVAL
Hetty drew her husband back into the cozy parlor, where they found Jennie waiting alone.