They were attired in deep mourning; and, though there was no personal resemblance between them, they looked like sisters.
After some inquiries respecting Lady Barfleur, and messages of condolence to her, Sir Bridgnorth looked at Mildred, who interpreted his glance correctly, and said:
“You may speak freely of Chetwynd before Miss Barfleur, Sir Bridgnorth. She takes great interest in him.”
“A very great interest,” added Emmeline. “I hope you bring us some news of him?”
“Very little,” replied Sir Bridgnorth. “And what I do bring is not satisfactory. You desire me to speak plainly about your brother, Miss Calverley?”
“Most certainly!” she replied.
“Well, then, you may remember, when I accidentally met him at Ouselcroft, I gave him a pocket-book, containing a certain sum of money?”
“I am not likely to forget your kindness,” replied Mildred.
“It appears there was rather more in the pocket-book than I thought,” pursued Sir Bridgnorth—“bank notes to the amount of three hundred pounds. I mention this, because your brother has most scrupulously repaid me the exact sum, of which he kept a memorandum.”
“He behaved like a man of honour!” cried Emmeline.