"Again I thank you, madam; thank you cordially on the part of my widowed sister as well as on my own part," said the viscount courteously.
And this point being settled, the party dispersed.
Mrs. MacDonald retired to her own apartments to write a note to her sister, requesting that her effects might be forwarded to Castle Cragg.
Mrs. Dugald went to her boudoir to await there in feverish impatience the arrival of the viscount.
He did not keep her long in suspense; he soon entered, locked the door behind him, and seated himself beside her.
"She is gone—really gone?" whispered Faustina, in a low, eager, breathless voice.
"Yes, my angel; you heard me say so."
"Really and truly gone?"
"Really and truly."
"Oh, I am so glad! And her servants? Ah, I always hated those blacks! She has not left them behind?"