Things were in this state at Brackley Hall, when one morning, about an hour after breakfast, the two girls went out into the garden. They were in an uneasy and excited state, but the soft air and the fragrance of the flowers soothed them.
That morning's post had brought Mildred a brief letter from Sir Bridgnorth Charlton. It contained only a few words, but they stimulated curiosity and raised hopes.
“To-morrow, I shall send a messenger to you with some important intelligence. Expect him soon after the receipt of this letter.
“B. C.”
They had been in the garden some little time, and were slowly returning towards the house, when they saw a tall figure, dressed in black, crossing the moat.
Evidently, it was the messenger from Sir Bridgnorth, as they had given orders that he should be sent out to them.
But who was he? Could it be Chetwynd in person? Not a doubt about it.
On making this discovery, Mildred uttered a slight cry, and flying to meet her brother, was clasped in his arms.
Emmeline stood still, and placed her hand upon her heart to check its palpitations.
In another minute, Mildred disengaged herself from her brother's embrace, and without stopping to make any inquiries, and scarcely to exchange a word of greeting, led him towards Emmeline.