‘I shall be glad when they are married,’ he repeated to himself as, when the carriage had disappeared, he walked slowly back to the library.
Aunt Hessy was somewhat startled when she saw the Ringsford carriage and Madge come out of it alone.
‘Is anything wrong at the Manor?’ she asked; but before she had finished the question she was reassured by the face of her niece.
‘No, aunt; but Mr Hadleigh thought I should have the carriage, as I was in a hurry. I have had a long talk with him. He has made me very happy, and has given me the power to make others happy.’
They were in the parlour now, and Aunt Hessy smiled at the excitement of the usually calm Madge.
‘Is it extra blankets and coals for the poor folk, or a Christmas feast for the children?’
‘No, no, aunt: it is something of very great importance to Philip and to me. Philip’s uncle has all these years believed that it was Mr Hadleigh who spread the false report about him; and that is why he will not agree to have anything to say to him. Now, Philip has set his heart upon making them friends, and I can do it!’
There was a brightness in the girl’s voice and manner which Aunt Hessy was glad to see after those days of pained thoughtful looks.
‘How are you to do that, child?’
‘By showing Philip’s uncle who the real traitor was. His name was Richard Towers, and Mr Hadleigh says you knew him.’