“I must go and bid them welcome,” said the earl. “I am rejoiced that Dorothy has come. She has great influence with her brother, and may extricate us from the dreadful dilemma in which we are placed.” “Finding your quarters so good, I have asked her to stay with me here,” said the countess. “I don't think she will be in the way.” “Not in the least,” replied the earl. “There is room for a dozen more. My brother Charles is the only person in the house with me, and nothing can be more agreeable to him than Dorothy's society. By-the-bye, I must tell you that since his arrival here, the general has fallen desperately in love with a fair widow--Mrs. Scarisbrick. I mention the matter because I have no doubt you will soon see her. She is really very handsome, as are all the Preston women, who have made sad work with most of the young men in my regiment. They are half crazed about them. But come along, sweetheart. We must not remain talking here. I want to see Dorothy and Father Norham.” Newbiggin was standing in the passage as the earl came forth with the countess, and received a very kindly greeting from his lordship. “I am very glad to see you, Newbiggin,” said Lord Derwentwater. “I haven't time to talk to you now, but I shall have a good deal to say to you, when I am more at leisure.” “Has your lordship any orders to give me?” inquired the butler. “Yes. Select a good room for Miss Forster, and another for Father Norham, and let all be got ready for them without delay.” “It shall be done, my lord,” replied the butler. “Your lordship will find them in this room,” he added, opening the door of a spacious and well-furnished apartment. 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.