He closed the door after him as he came in, and started on perceiving Sir Bridgnorth, whom he evidently had not expected to find there.
Uttering an exclamation of mingled surprise and delight, Mildred sprang towards her brother, and flung her arms round his neck. While returning her embrace, he said in a low voice, “Who have you got with you?”
“Sir Bridgnorth Charlton,” she replied. “He takes great interest in you, and has just been making inquiries about you.”
“Not many minutes ago, I told your sister it would give me sincere pleasure if I could render you any service,” said Sir Bridgnorth. “I did not expect so soon to have an opportunity of saying the same thing to you. I beg you will look upon me as a friend.”
“I am greatly beholden to you, Sir Bridgnorth,” replied the young man. “I have very few friends left.”
“Mine are not mere idle professions, as you will find, if you choose to put them to the proof,” said Sir Bridgnorth.
“You speak so earnestly and so kindly that I cannot but credit what you say,” rejoined Chetwynd; “and I am the more inclined to believe you, since I have never done you a favour. Indeed, if my recollection serves me right, you have more reason to dislike than to befriend me.”
“Your sister will tell you that the past is forgotten.”
“Sir Bridgnorth has a noble heart,” said Mildred. “You may speak freely before him. He knows all that has occurred, and is aware that you have refused to accept any allowance from Mrs. Calverley.”
“And I may add that I sympathise with you,” said Sir Bridgnorth.