It is to be feared that Dr. Brunton's first thought in connection with the intelligence sent him was, the excuse for meeting at the lodge being over, where or how was he to see Lady Louisa?
VIII.
At the very time Dr. Brunton was thinking of this, the family at the castle were sitting at breakfast, and the letter-bag came in. As the earl was looking over the letters he said, "Here's a thick despatch for you, Loo: open it, and tell me what it is?" She opened it.
"Well?" said her father.
"It is a likeness of the doctor," she said.
"The doctor! what doctor?"
"Oh, Dr. Brunton—he who lives in the village. He has been here several times, you remember?"
"I remember perfectly. How is his likeness sent to you? who sends it?"
"Himself probably, but I have not read the letter yet."
"Don't read it: hand it to me," he said sternly.