Ormond drove on; but from this moment, till they reached Castle Hermitage, no more agreeable conversation passed between him and his fair companion. It was all constrained.
“I was not aware that Dr. Cambray had the honour of being acquainted with Lady Millicent,” said Ormond.
“O yes! I had the pleasure some time ago,” replied Lady Millicent, “when he was in Dublin—not lately—I was a great favourite of his once.”
“Once, and always, I should have thought.”
“Dr. Cambray’s a most amiable, respectable man,” said her ladyship: “he must be a great acquisition in this neighbourhood—a good clergyman is valuable every where; in Ireland most especially, where the spirit of conciliation is much wanted. ‘Tis unknown how much a good clergyman may do in Ireland.”
“Very true—certainly.”
So with a repetition of truisms, interspersed with reflections on the state of Ireland, tithes, and the education of the poor, they reached Castle Hermitage.
“Lady Millicent, you look pale,” said Sir Ulick, as he handed her out.
“Oh, no, I have had a most delightful drive.”
Harry just stayed to say that Dr. Cambray was returned, and that he must run to see him, and off he went. He found the doctor in his study.