Mark Ingestrie gave a shudder as that woman's name was mentioned, for it put him in mind of the cellar where he had lived so long, and where it was only by the most good fortune that he had not terminated his career.
Before they could say any more, one of the officers in attendance upon Sir Richard, announced Colonel Jeffery.
"Ah, that is your dreadful military rival," said Sir Richard to Ingestrie. "That is the gentleman whom you saw in the garden of the Temple with Johanna."
"I have much to thank him for. His conduct to Johanna has been most noble."
The colonel smiled when he saw Mark Ingestrie and Johanna, for he well knew, from private information he had got from the magistrate, that Mark Ingestrie and Mrs. Lovett's cook were identical; and holding out his hand to the young man, he said—
"Accept of my best and sincerest wishes, Mr. Ingestrie."
"And you, sir," said Mark, "accept of my best thanks. Our gratitude is largely due to you, sir."
"I am quite repaid by this very happy result; and I have the pleasure of informing you, Sir Richard, that poor Tobias is very much better indeed."
"Which I am rejoiced to hear," said Sir Richard. "And now, my dear Johanna, it is time for you to go home. You will hear from me in the morning, for I intend to do myself the pleasure of calling upon your father, and explaining all to him; for there are some circumstances that he is yet in ignorance of, and particularly concerning Mr. Ingestrie."
"I will walk with you to your door, Johanna," said Mark rising and tottering.