"I have, indeed, experienced much mental anxiety," said Ranulph, looking at Eleanor; "it is now past, and I would fain hope that a brighter day is dawning." His heart answered, 'twas but a hope. "You were unlooked for here to-night, Sir Ranulph," said Mrs. Mowbray; "by us, at least: we were told you were abroad." "You were rightly informed, madam," replied Ranulph. "I only arrived this evening from Bordeaux." "I am glad you are returned. We are at present on a visit with your neighbors, the Davenhams, at Braybrook, and trust we shall see you there." "I will ride over to-morrow," replied Ranulph; "there is much on which I would consult you all. I would have ventured to request the favor of your company at Rookwood, had the occasion been other than the present." "And I would willingly have accepted your invitation," returned Mrs. Mowbray; "I should like to see the old house once more. During your father's lifetime I could not approach it. You are lord of broad lands, Sir Ranulph--a goodly inheritance." "Madam!" "And a proud title, which you will grace well, I doubt not. The first, the noblest of our house, was he from whom you derive your name. You are the third Sir Ranulph; the first founded the house of Rookwood; the next advanced it; 'tis for you to raise its glory to its height." "Alas! madam, I have no such thought." "Wherefore not? you are young, wealthy, powerful. With such domains as those of Rookwood--with such a title as its lord can claim, naught should be too high for your aspirations." "I aspire to nothing, madam, but your daughter's hand; and even that I will not venture to solicit until you are acquainted with----" And he hesitated. "With what?" asked Mrs. Mowbray, in surprise. "A singular, and to me most perplexing event has occurred to-night," replied Ranulph, "which may materially affect my future fortunes." "Indeed!" exclaimed Mrs. Mowbray. "Does it relate to your mother?" "Excuse my answering the question now, madam," replied Ranulph; "you shall know all to-morrow." "Ay, to-morrow, dear Ranulph," said Eleanor; "and whatever that morrow may bring forth, it will bring happiness to me, if you are bearer of the tidings." "I shall expect your coming with impatience," said Mrs. Mowbray. "And I," added Major Mowbray, who had listened thus far in silence, "would offer you my services in any way you think they would be useful. Command me as you think fitting." "I thank you heartily," returned Ranulph. "To-morrow you shall learn all. Meanwhile, it shall be my business to investigate the truth or falsehood of the statement I have heard, ere I report it to you. Till then, farewell." As they issued from the church it was gray dawn. Mrs. Mowbray's carriage stood at the door. The party entered it; and accompanied by Dr. Small, whom he found within in the vestry, Ranulph walked towards the hall, where a fresh surprise awaited him. _CHAPTER V_ _THE CAPTIVE_