But Frank, regardless of Chobbs and assizes, pursued his way. He kicked the crazy door open, and was rejoiced to find himself in the open air. His progress through the village had not been unobserved by other eyes besides those of the hostler and boots of the Rose and Crown. There was a low thatched cottage on the opposite side of the road from the residence of The Chobb; clusters of white roses clambered in all directions over the wall, and the little lawn in front was tastefully laid out, and the turf and shrubs kept in perfect order. Along the gravel walks of this little lawn, walked slowly, as if in infirm health, a middle-aged lady, leaning for support on the arm of a tall and graceful girl; and ever and anon she turned on her companion's suffering face a look of such love and sweetness--it was sure to create a smile even on the wan lips of the invalid. That girl's eyes had rested on Frank Edwards as he passed--a red flush had crossed her brow--a whiteness, as of death, had come upon her cheek--and, leading the elder lady with tottering steps to the garden bower, she had sat down beside her, and covered her face with her hands, and burst into tears. At the moment Frank Edwards emerged into the road, he was nearly jammed against the railings in front of the thatched cottage, by the rapid approach of a post-chaise. While he looked in at the window, the wheel dipped into a rut, the axle instantaneously broke, and the body of the carriage bumped upon the ground. In an instant he had secured the horses, and the Chobb family, rushing out, advanced to the door of the vehicle. With some difficulty the passengers were extracted, and consisted of a tall dark-complexioned gentleman, with mustaches, looking as sheepish and uncomfortable as possible. "What! Marvale!" exclaimed Frank, "What has brought you here? and who is the lady beside you?" "Hush, my dear sir, she's in a faint." "Why, William," cried the philanthropic attorney, "do you pretend not to know us?" "Ah! how d'ye do, George--ha'n't seen you a long time," said Percy Marvale, looking contemptuously at the lawyer. "You look very grand with these mustaches," continued George; "your own father would scarcely know you." "Is the old snob alive, then?" enquired the dutiful son. "To be sure, and here he's coming. General Hosham, here's Bill come back again." "Has he brought back the watch and spoons?" enquired the affectionate father; "if not, I'll have him up for the theft." The fainting lady had been carried in the mean time by the villagers into the thatched cottage, and into it Frank also proceeded to watch over her recovery. Two ladies were bending over her; and, on Frank's approach, the elder one looked up. The younger one also saw him. There was nothing more needed than that look. Frank took a hand of each. There was an end of his uncertainties. It was Alice Elstree and her mother.