IV.—MRS. SCARISBRICK.
As the earl entered, Father Norham advanced to meet him, and saluting him affectionately, gave him his benediction. This little ceremony over, Lord Derwentwater addressed himself to Dorothy, expressing his delight at seeing her, and thanking her for her kindness in accompanying the countess on the hazardous expedition.
“I only hope you will have no cause to regret your obliging compliance with her wishes,” he said. “I hope you will stay with her here, for I really think you will be better off in this house than in the general's quarters.”
“Oh! yes, Dorothy will stay with me I'm quite sure,” cried the countess. “I can't part with her.”
Dorothy gladly assented to the arrangement, which indeed was very agreeable to her, and this matter being settled, the earl again addressed himself to Father Norham, and told him he was happy in being able to offer him such excellent accommodation.
“You shall have as good a room as you have been accustomed to at Dilston,” he said.
“I beg your lordship not to trouble yourself on my account,” replied the priest. “I care not where I am lodged.”
Just then, Newbiggin came in and announced General Forster and Mrs. Scarisbrick, and next moment the general made his appearance with the young widow.