While the squire and Doctor Peters were agreed on this point, Mrs Bennet drew near to explain that the gentleman who had so alarmed her, and who looked the very image of William Goodall’s brother who died at sea, frightened her by suddenly alighting from a carriage in the lower road, and said that his brother William, the other occupant of the carriage, was going round to the Hall, but that he had come in by the cottage gate so as not to frighten the squire until his brother William had gone in advance to announce that he, Henry, was not drowned as had been reported. It was this unexpected news from a supposed defunct man that had made Mrs Bennet scream.
“Don’t be alarmed!” said the squire, “there comes William Goodall from his carriage, and now the two brothers are standing shoulder to shoulder as if they were debating what they should do. This is a very remarkable incident,” added the squire, “for yonder we get another proof of how we have been swindled by Falcon.”
“I wouldn’t allude to his name, squire, unless the Goodalls do so first. See, they are coming down to meet us,” cried the doctor. “Let us pause a moment and meet them half way, squire.”
CHAPTER XXV
REUNION AND HAPPINESS
As the squire and Doctor Peters drew nearer, Henry Goodall advanced with extended hand towards them. Seeing this, his brother and the doctor held back for a moment, to notice what effect the unexpected appearance of Henry Goodall would have on their host, and then the party all shook hands heartily.
“Welcome back in the flesh,” said the squire. “Welcome to Wedwell Park. You bring us tidings of my daughter and her companion as well as of the aeronauts. No? I had hoped you might have met them, for you must know that they are missing. My daughter will sadly regret not being here to receive you.”
“That I am sure of,” replied Henry Goodall. “And your kind words are doubly gratifying after the adventures I have had, but that is too long a story to tell you now, especially if you are concerned as to the safety of your child.”
“Yes, excuse me,” cried the squire. “I’m perhaps too anxious to know all, and forget my dear old friend. How bewildered you must feel on this occasion. But do let us move towards the tents on the lawn and sit down.”
At this moment Lucy was seen approaching with a telegram.
“Excuse my reading it,” said the squire, politely, to his guests; “perhaps it is about the aeronauts. Yes, I was right. It is from Newhaven, and says,—‘Your daughter, Miss Chain and the aeronauts all on their way to Wedwell Park.’ Ay, thank God for that,” cried the squire. “Here, Lucy, give this to Bennet, and let everyone know the good news. You will soon see your son, Mr Goodall, and I shall once more behold my daughter!”