“Here comes my grandfather, and we have not a minute more for explanation. Play the part assigned to you—blindly, if you must—and trust me with the issue. Will you, Dick?”
“Yes, I WILL, Anna.”
“And Dick, here, listen quick!—Just before I am to be sent for, go down into the great drawing-room and put out two thirds of the wax candles. I want a subdued light, not an illumination there. Will you remember, Dick, and do it yourself, so as to insure its being done?”
“Yes, Anna, I will; and now I do begin to understand you.”
“Hush, here he is!” whispered Miss Lyon, as her grandfather came to the door.
“Ah, Dick, my dear boy! how are you? so glad to see you!” exclaimed old General Lyon, entering and holding out his hand to Richard Hammond, who took and pressed it affectionately.
“So very glad to see you here, Dick! Your very first visit to Old Lyon Hall! And now I shall expect you to stay and comfort me when my young people are gone.”
“I shall be very happy to do so, sir,” answered Dick, sincerely.
“But how the deuce did you find your way here, through this wilderness of a country, and over these dreadful roads?”
“Oh, I inquired of your protegées, the old Scotch emigrants, at the turnpike gate,” answered Dick, laughing.