At this juncture Chetwynd arose. He had been watching them, and guessed what they were talking about.
As he approached, Mrs. Calverley sprang forward to meet him.
“Chetwynd,” she said, “I have just received some information that has given me the greatest pleasure. I think I ought to have been let into the secret; but I am too much overjoyed to complain!”
“I am glad the disclosure has been made,” he said. “The maintenance of the secret has placed Emmeline in a false position.”
“But no harm has ensued,” observed the young lady. “I have only just discovered my aunt's scheme, or I should have acquainted her with the engagement. I now regret that I did not do so when I first came to town.”
“And I am at liberty to explain all to Lady Thick-nesse?” inquired Mrs. Calverley.
“You will greatly oblige me,” said Emmeline. “I shall be very glad to escape the task.”
“I will go to her at once,” said Mrs. Calverley.
And quitting the room, she repaired to the boudoir.
There she found that Sir Bridgnorth had been beforehand with her, and, explanations being unnecessary, she talked the matter over quietly with Lady Thicknesse, and endeavoured to reconcile her to the arrangement, apparently with some success.