“You know that it is your home, Adrian—yours and—may I call you Meta?” his lordship asked, suddenly turning to Brownie, and speaking the name with infinite tenderness.
“Yes, do; I should like it,” she replied, with a smile.
“Then, my children, you will come home soon,” he added.
“Yes, sir, we will,” and Adrian shook his hand heartily.
CHAPTER XL
THE IMPENDING STORM
For a week longer calls and invitations poured in upon the newly wedded couple, and it seemed almost impossible to tear themselves away from London.
But at the expiration of that time Adrian thought they ought not to delay their visit to Vallingham Hall any longer, lest the marriage of Sir Charles should take place, and they be off upon the Continent before they could secure Brownie’s jewels.
Besides, he had it in his power to save his friend from a lifetime of misery, and he felt that he would be doing him a grievous wrong did he not warn him of the precipice upon which he was standing.
Neither did he think it would be right to allow him to go away without acquainting him of the fact that he had a brother living, for, of course, that circumstance alone would make a great difference in his future prospects, and he ought to know of it before the settlements were completed.
Accordingly, on Monday preceding the wedding, which was to occur upon Wednesday, the 11th of June, they went down to West Malling, intending after their errand was accomplished to make Lady Ruxley their promised visit, and then repair to Dunforth Castle for a while.