He remained for some time in his room, occupied by a variety of reflections, until at last he was disturbed by a tap at the door, and on opening it, Norris came in.
Evidently, from his manner, he expected that Chet-wynd would make him the depositary of some secret, but he was disappointed.
“Whatever may be your motive in coming back, I think you have acted most judiciously,” he said; “and I am truly glad to find that a complete reconciliation has taken place between you and Mrs. Calverley, though I own I never expected it.”
“Yes, Norris,” replied Chetwynd. “We have become really friends. At one time I never supposed it would be so, as you are well aware. But strange things happen. I am very much changed since you saw me last.”
“Well, I own you are changed, sir; but for the better—very much improved. I hope you mean to reside here altogether now?”
“I do, Norris. Mrs. Calverley has behaved with great kindness to me—with great generosity, I may say—and the animosity I felt towards her has been completely extinguished in consequence. She has asked me to make Ouselcroft again my home. I have accepted the offer, and here I shall remain!”
“It would have been very unwise to refuse the offer, sir,” said Norris. “But are you convinced of her sincerity?”
“I cannot doubt it, after such proofs as she has given me. I only wonder she has shown so much forgiveness. But she shall have nothing to complain of in future.”
“I approve of your determination, sir. Let bygones be bygones!”
Norris was completely puzzled.