“I did not see him.”
“Not see Mr. Sandford, My Lord? but he was out I suppose—for they did not expect you at Elmwood House.”
“No, they did not.”
In such conversation Rushbrook and his uncle continued to the end of their journey. Dinner was then immediately served, and Lord Elmwood appeared much in his usual spirits; at least, not suspecting any cause for their abatement, Rushbrook did not observe any alteration.
Lord Elmwood went, however, earlier to bed than ordinary, or rather to his bed-chamber; for though he retired some time before his nephew, when Rushbrook passed his chamber door it was open, and he not in bed, but sitting in a musing posture, as if he had forgot to shut it.
When Rushbrook’s valet came to attend his master, he said to him,
“I suppose, Sir, you do not know what has happened at the Castle?”
“For heaven’s sake what?” cried Rushbrook.
“My Lord has met Lady Matilda:” replied the man.
“How? Where? What’s the consequence?”