"MADAM,--I do not ask you to forgive me; for, if you had done what I have, I could never forgive you. But, for the sake of Rose, and to stop their tongues, I do hope you will do me the honor to live under this my roof. I dare not face Hernshaw Castle. Your own apartments here are now ready for you. The place is large. Upon my honor I will not trouble you; but show myself always, as now, "Your penitent and very humble servant, "GRIFFITH GAUNT." The messenger was to wait for her reply. This letter disturbed Mrs. Gaunt's sorrowful tranquillity at once. She was much agitated, and so undecided, that she sent the messenger away, and told him to call next day. Then she sent off to Father Francis to beg his advice. But her courier returned, late at night, to say Father Francis was away from home. Then she took Rose, and said to her, "My darling, papa wants us to go to his new house, and leave dear old Hernshaw; I know not what to say about that. What do _you_ say?" "Tell him to come to us," said Bose, dictatorially. "Only," (lowering her little voice very suddenly), "if he is naughty and won't, why then we had better go to him. For he amuses me." "As you please," said Mrs. Gaunt; and sent her husband this reply:-- "SIR,--Rose and I are agreed to defer to your judgment and obey your wishes. Be pleased to let me know what day you will require us; and I must trouble you to send a carriage. "I am, sir, "Your faithful Wife, and humble Servant, "CATHERINE GAUNT." At the appointed day, a carriage and four came wheeling up to the door. The vehicle was gorgeously emblazoned, and the servants in rich liveries; all which finery glittering in the sun, and the glossy coats of the horses, did mightily please Mistress Rose. She stood on the stone steps, and clapped her hands with delight. Her mother just sighed, and said, "Ay, 'tis in pomp and show we must seek our happiness now." She leaned back in the carriage, and closed her eyes, yet not so close but now and then a tear would steal out, as she thought of the past. They drove up under an avenue to a noble mansion; and landed at the foot of some marble steps, low and narrow, but of vast breadth. As they mounted these, a hall door, through which the carriage could have passed, was flung open, and discovered the servants all drawn up to do honor to their mistress. She entered the hall, leading Rose by the hand, the servants bowed and curtsied down to the ground. She received this homage with dignified courtesy, and her eye stole round to see if the master of the house was coming to receive her. The library door was opened hastily, and out came to meet her--Father Francis.