Albert had never once glanced behind him, or he might have seen Sir Francis Hartleton, who had, resolving to be perfectly assured in Albert’s truth and faith, permitted him to leave the house in the manner we have recorded, but followed him as closely as consistent with ordinary caution. Had Albert gone to Learmont’s, new suspicions would have risen up in the mind of the magistrate, and choked like noxious weeds the kindly feelings which he was beginning to entertain towards him; but now that he saw him enter the park, and proceed towards the barracks, Sir Francis felt the pleasure which a noble mind always receives from getting rid of suspicion and doubt.
Albert and the soldier passed into the barracks, and then Sir Francis Hartleton immediately stepped up to the gate, and addressing another soldier, said,—
“I must see that young man who has just passed in. My name is Hartleton; I am a magistrate.”
Sir Francis was well known by reputation, and upon his announcement of who he was, the soldier ran after his comrade and Seyton, and brought them both back to the gate again.
“What does this young man do here?” said Sir Francis.
“He offers to go in the army,” said the soldier, “and I was conducting him to my officer.”
“I have something to say to him first,” remarked the magistrate. “Will you follow me home, Mr. Seyton?”
“No sir,” said Albert, proudly; “I wish to give you and myself no further trouble with each other.”
“Nay, but I have something to communicate.”
“You are too late,” said Albert. “I came to you in my agony of mind, and implored you to assist in righting the wronged, and saving the innocent from oppression; you received my suit coldly. You have done, for aught that I know, nothing. Leave me now, sir, for my own course; I want no cold friends.”