“My lord, I am not ignorant how things stand: I am in lady Arctura’s house; and here I remain till I receive her commands.”
“Very well! By all means!”
“I ask you again for her address, my lord.”
“Find it for yourself. You will not obey my orders: am I to obey yours?”
He turned on his heel, and flung to his door.
Donal went to lady Arctura. She was in the sitting-room, anxiously waiting his return. She had heard their voices, but nothing that passed. He told her what he had done; then produced his provisions, and together they prepared their breakfast. By and by they heard the earl come from his room, go here and there through the still house, and return to his apartment.
In the afternoon he left the house. They watched him away—ill able, apparently, even to crawl along. He went down the hill, nor once lifted his head. They turned and looked at each other. Profound pity for the wretched old man was the feeling of both. It was followed by one of intense relief and liberty.
“You would like to be rid of me now, my lady,” said Donal; “but I don’t see how I can leave you. Shall I go and fetch Miss Carmichael?”
“No, certainly,” answered Arctura. “I cannot apply to her.”
“It would be a pity to lose the advantage of your uncle’s not knowing what has become of you.”