"Let me in, my lady!" responded the voice of Sir Gilbert.
"What do you want, Sir Gilbert? I am busy."
"So I understand, my lady, and I'm come to help you."
"Will you promise, if I let you in, not to hinder me, instead?"
"I'll promise nothing, except to quarrel with you if you do not."
"Was there ever such a tyrant! Come in then; see, hear, and understand."
The door was opened, and Sir Gilbert Harrington and Charles Mowbray stood face to face. Charles smiled, and held out his hand. The baronet knit his brows, but the expression of his mouth told her experienced ladyship plainly enough that he was well enough pleased at the sight of his unexpected guest.
"He only got to Mowbray at nine o'clock last night," said Lady Harrington.
Sir Gilbert held out his hand. "Charles, I am glad to see you," said he. "Thank Heaven!" ejaculated the old lady.
"My dear Sir Gilbert," said Charles, "I have learnt your kind and friendly anger at the prolonged absence of my poor sister. The fault is not hers, Sir Gilbert; she has been most strictly forbidden to visit you."