At length Whittingham made his appearance.
"Morcar is arrived, Master Richard," said the old man, "and it is close upon five."
"I shall soon be ready, Whittingham," answered Richard.
The old butler withdrew.
Then Richard took from his strong-box the mysterious packet which had been left to him by Thomas Armstrong; and that sacred trust he secured about his person.
"Now," he said, "I am about to quit the home of my forefathers."
And tears trickled down his cheeks.
"This is foolish!" he exclaimed, after a pause: "I must not yield to my emotions, when on the eve of such a grand and glorious undertaking."
He then returned to the drawing-room.
At that moment the post-chaise arrived at the front door of the mansion.