‘Made a public announcement of principle,’ said Lily. ‘I was determined to give her a reason,’ said the Marquis, laughing, ‘but I assure you I felt like the stork with its head in the wolf’s mouth, I thought she would give me a screed of doctrine. How came you to let your property get unto her clutches, Emily?’ ‘It was a subscription for Mrs. Aylmer,’ said Emily. ‘Our curate’s wife!’ cried he with a start; ‘how was it? Florence, did you know anything? I thought she was in London. Why were we in the dark? Tell me all.’ ‘All I know is that she is living somewhere in Raynham, and last week there was a paper here to say that she was in want of the means of fitting out her son for India.’ ‘Yes, yes, Johnny, I know my father did get a promise for him—well!’ ‘That is all I know, except that she does not choose to be a beggar.’ ‘Poor Mrs. Aylmer! shameful neglect! she shall not be ill-used any longer, I will find her out this instant. Don’t wait for me.’ And after a few words to Mr. Adams, off he went, walking as fast as he could, and leaving the young ladies not without fear of another invasion. Soon, however, the brothers came in, and presently after Mrs. Weston appeared. It was agreed that Lord Rotherwood should be left to his own devices, and they set out for the concert-room. Poor Florence lost much pleasure in disappointment at his non-appearance, but when the concert was over they found him sitting in the carriage, reading. As soon as they appeared he sprang out, and came to meet them, pouring rapidly out a history of his adventures. ‘Then you have found them, and what can be done for them?’ ‘Everything ought to be done, but Mrs. Aylmer has a spirit of independence. That foolish woman’s advertisement was unknown to her till Emily’s five pounds came in, so fine a nest-egg that she could not help cackling, whereupon Mrs. Aylmer insisted on having every farthing returned.’ ‘Can she provide the boy’s outfit?’ ‘She says so, or rather that her daughter can, but I shall see about that. It is worth while to be of age. Imagine! That bank which failed was the end of my father’s legacy. They must have lived on a fraction of nothing! Edward went to sea. Miss Aylmer went out as a governess. Now she is at home.’ ‘Miss Aylmer!’ exclaimed Miss Weston, ‘I know she was a clergyman’s daughter. Do you know the name of the family she lived with?’ ‘Was it Grant?’ said William. ‘I remember hearing of her going to some Grants.’ ‘It was,’ said Alethea; ‘she must be the same. Is she at home?’ ‘Yes,’ said Lord Rotherwood, ‘and you may soon see her, for I mean to have them all to stay at the castle as soon as our present visitors are gone. My mother and Florence shall call upon them on Friday.’ ‘Now,’ said Claude, ‘I have not found out what brought them back to Raynham.’