As our jovial party of islanders were sitting, the ladies in their garlands, suddenly a boat was perceived coming down under the side of the island; presently it moored, and two gentlemen ascended the bank, and approached the ladies.
“Dr. Leroy,” said several voices; “and,” added George Woodburn, “as I live, Henry Clavering!”
He rushed forward to meet Mr. Clavering, and there was a most affectionate handshaking. Letty and Millicent Heritage also ran forward to joyously welcome the son of Sir Emanuel, who had been two years abroad. Ann Woodburn advanced more sedately but cordially, and, with a somewhat flushed countenance, welcomed their young friend, introducing Miss Drury to him.
“Why, when did you arrive, Clavering?” asked George Woodburn.
“Only yesterday,” he replied; “but I happened to meet Dr. Leroy in Castleborough, and he was kind enough to come up to-day and tell me of your water-frolic, and here we are.”
“A thousand welcomes,” said George, looking very happy, and so said the ladies. A great many questions and answers from both sides passed, and Thorsby, springing up, said, “Well, now I declare, that was prophetic. I thought these garlands were only a sportive freak, but they were in honour of Mr. Clavering’s return, and they shall be suspended from the branches of this oak.”
“A bright idea,” said all the company; and all were up and very busy suspending the garlands from the boughs of the spreading tree. Henry Clavering thanked them for the compliment, and the party set out to return home. The boats were sent up the river with Tom Boddily, Sylvanus, and Betty, having first put on shore the young people, who walked through the woods and lanes in abundance of interesting talk. Supper awaited them, and a joyous welcome for Mr. Clavering from Mr. and Mrs. Woodburn. As the gentlemen took their leave at night, Miss Drury whispered to Ann Woodburn, “I like this Mr. Clavering. He is so thoroughly a gentleman, and, I am sure, so good and sensible.”
“True,” said Ann, “but, like us all, not without a fault.”
END OF VOL. I.
BRADBURY, EVANS, AND CO., PRINTERS, WHITEFRIARS.