“Michael, whatever I may know with regard to a change in the character of the brig has come to my knowledge within eight-and-forty hours. I shall myself speak with the earl on this subject; so you and I will discuss it no more.”
“But you’ll tell me some time, my boy?”
“Yes; you shall know all about it, just as soon as there is something tangible discovered.”
Shortly after this the meal came to an end, and the young man made his way to one of the smaller drawing-rooms, where Cordelia was in the habit of sitting, and where he had given her his instruction while acting in the capacity of private tutor.
He found the lady there, and with her was the old earl. She arose instantly on his entrance, and approached him with her hand outstretched.
She smiled, as she always smiled on meeting him; but to him there was a new flush on her lovely face; a new warmth in her greeting, and a new light in her radiant eyes.
“Percy, I am glad you have come. You can tell dear grandpa all about what we saw in the old chapel last night.”
“My lord,” said the visitor, turning to the earl, after he had responded to Cordelia’s greeting, “I have come on purpose to speak with you. I think I have something to tell that will interest you.”
Now Lord Allerdale had made up his mind—had firmly resolved—that the next time he should meet with young Maitland he would treat him respectfully, and not unkindly; but he would make him feel that he must know his place and keep it.
He would never unbend to him again—never again give his hand as a friend. It would not answer.