“We cannot be far off, though I should be better able to answer the question in daylight. I am only certain that we are on the right road, and have not reached the lodge gates; we shall see a light shining in the window when we get near.”
Nearly another half-hour passed before the light Lord Reginald spoke of appeared. The park-keeper and his wife, who had their minds filled with the dread of an invasion from the French, or an attack from the smugglers, were at first very unwilling to open the gates. Not until Lord Reginald had explained who he was, and had mentioned several circumstances to prove that he spoke the truth, would they admit him and his companion.
“Beg pardon, my lord; but we hope you won’t take it amiss,” exclaimed the gate-keeper.
“We meant no offence, that we didn’t, my lord,” chimed in his wife. “But you see, your lordship, that there are all sorts of bad characters about—smugglers and highwaymen and gipsies, and we couldn’t tell if it was some of them come to murder us and burn the hall down, as they swear they will; or if it was the French, for it’s said that they will land one of these nights, and turn out the king and Parliament.”
“Hold your tongue, wife, and don’t be keeping Lord Reginald and the other gentleman waiting,” exclaimed the husband. “You see, my lord, how my good woman is afeered, and so I hope your lordship will pardon me, as I mustn’t leave her alone, if I don’t go up with you to the hall, for if any strangers were to come there would be no one to open the gate.”
“Stop and look after your wife; I can dispense with your attendance, for I know my way perfectly,” answered Lord Reginald, laughing. “Come along, Voules, I shall be glad to be at home at last.”
The authoritative pull which the young nobleman gave to the hall bell soon brought the domestics to the door. The marquis and Lady Elverston, with their two fair daughters, and Lord John their eldest son, hurried out to meet Lord Reginald. His mother and sisters embraced him affectionately, gazing into his well-bronzed countenance, while his father and brother warmly wrung his hand, as they expressed their joy at his safe return. He then introduced his messmate Mr Voules, who received a polite welcome to Elverston Hall.
“And now, pray tell us, Reginald, to what circumstances we are indebted for seeing you so unexpectedly,” said the marquis.
“The kindness of Captain Moubray; who, hearing, when our frigate came to an anchor in Yarmouth Roads, that we were within a short distance of this, allowed me and my messmate Voules, at my request, to come on shore and pay you a visit, while the Wolf is refitting at Portsmouth.”
“What brings her back?” asked his father. “I understood that she was not expected home for some time.”