CHAPTER XXX
CAPT. GREGORY LOVELL
A carriage drove rapidly up the avenue leading to Middleton Hall.
The Hall was not large, but was handsome and well-proportioned, and looked singularly attractive, its gray walls forming a harmonious contrast with the bright green ivy that partially covered them, and the broad, smooth lawn that stretched out in front.
Mrs. Middleton regarded her home with unmingled satisfaction. It was to be her home now as long as she lived. Now that the boy was dead, no one could wrest it from her. She would live there, but not in solitary grandeur. The news of her success would bring Capt. Gregory Lovell to her side, and their marriage would follow as soon as decency would permit. If afterward he should desire to have the name of the residence changed to Lovell Hall, Mrs. Middleton decided that she would not object. Why should she? She had no superstitious love for her present name, while Lovell had for her the charm which love always gives to the name of the loved one.
The housekeeper, stout and matronly, received her mistress at the door.
Welcome home, Mrs. Middleton,” she said. “How long it seems since you went away!”
“How do you do, Sarah?” said her mistress, graciously. “I can assure you I am glad to be back.”
“You will find everything in order, mum, I hope and believe,” said Sarah. “We expected to see you sooner.”
“I hoped to be back sooner, but the business detained me longer than I desired.”