Some bright eyes were dimmed at this remark, and a momentary silence ensued.
It was broken by Mrs. Calverley, who said, in a kindly tone:
“I hope you mean to make Ouselcroft your home, Chetwynd?”
“I shall be delighted to do so, since you are kind enough to ask me, madam,” he replied. “I shall not give you much trouble, for I propose to live very quietly.”
“Don't mistake me,” she rejoined. “The house will be as much your own as during your father's lifetime. Come and go as you please. Your friends will always be welcome. In a word, do just as you like, and don't imagine I shall be any restraint upon you.”
“You are too kind, madam,” he rejoined, somewhat confused.
“I desire to meet you in the same spirit in which you have come to me,” she said. “Now I hope you understand me.”
“I do, madam, and I will avail myself of your offer, In a day or two I will again take possession of my old room.”
“It has always been kept for you, as you will find; but you shall have any other room you may prefer.”
“None can suit me so well as that. And since you permit me to ask my friends, I will mention a gentleman I have just met at Charlton, as I feel sure he will be agreeable to you.”