CHAPTER IV.
Our young Hero accidentally meets Sir Arthur Floyd, and Mr. Philip De Lancaster visits a certain Lady at Penruth Abbey.
In the morning of the third day young John De Lancaster left Glen-Morgan, and set out on his return to Kray Castle. As he was passing through part of the grounds belonging to Sir Arthur Floyd, whose house was within sight from his road, he chanced to meet that gentleman, as he was taking his ride about his demesne. Sir Arthur accosted him with much civility, and adverting to the accident, that had befallen him in the field, when he was out with Sir Owen’s hounds, expressed his concern for the unpleasant consequences that had ensued, and hoped it would not discourage him from coming out again.
I shall not easily be tempted to come out when Mr. David Owen is in the field.
I hope, returned the baronet, you do not consider it as a purposed injury on the part of that young gentleman.
I don’t suppose the gentleman could exactly instruct the horse he rode to throw dirt in my face, and almost put my eyes out; but I am not obliged to the gentleman for looking back and laughing at me, when he discovered the condition I was in.
I trust, resumed Sir Arthur, he did not know the extent of the mischief he had done, and when he did know it, I hope he made those enquiries, which it behoved him to make in such a case.
I don’t suppose, said John, Mr. Owen thought that necessary. He had enjoyed his joke, and was not curious to enquire how I had relished it—but I have simply answered your questions, Sir Arthur; when I have serious cause to resent Mr. Owen’s treatment of me, I shall look to him only for redress.
I hope, young gentleman, said Sir Arthur gravely, you will not consider me as a busy body in this affair between you, for though my habits of intimacy are chiefly with the house of Owen, I have all possible respect for your worthy grandfather, and every one, that bears his name. If I seem to intrude upon you therefore with any further questions, believe me it is only in the hope of setting matters straight, which at present appear to be rather out of course, and accordingly I beg leave to ask you as to the truth of a report, that circulates about the neighbourhood respecting a poor distressed soldier, who received charity from you at your house, and is said to have been very harshly treated at the abbey door, when supplicating for relief, by young Owen in person.
Such I believe to be the fact, was the answer.
It tells much to the dishonour of the party in question, that being the fact; but if the soldier be still within reach, I hope you will allow me to tender you these few guineas for his use on the part of my young friend David Owen, as an atonement for his oversight.