“You can pay compliments as well as rescue ladies from robbers, it seems, Captain Danvers,” observed Mildred, slightly blushing. “We should have met you, I have no doubt, at Brackley Hall.”
“Very likely,” he rejoined. “But I prefer an accidental meeting of this kind; it is more romantic. I hope you are not going to turn back. If you are, you must allow me to escort you. But they will be delighted to see you, I am sure, at Brackley, and you can recount your adventure to them.”
“And extol your gallantry at the same time, Captain Danvers,” laughed Mildred. “I have quite recovered from my fright, mamma, so I think we may as well go on.”
“Do, by all means!” cried Captain Danvers, vaulting on his horse.
Mrs. Calverley assented; and they were just setting off, when the groom was seen returning, so they waited until he came up.
“I see you have failed, Tom,” said his master.
“Yes, captain,” replied the man, touching, his hat. “I'm very sorry, but it was no use attempting to follow them. I should have got over head and ears in a quagmire.”
“Immediate information of the robbery must be given to the police at Frodsham,” said Captain Danvers.
“It is scarcely worth while to take any more trouble about the matter,” said Mrs. Calverley. “My purse had very little in it.”
“And I don't care much for my chain, since my watch is safe,” added Mildred.