“Not unless it should turn out to be mischievous,” observed Chetwynd.
“It cannot be mischievous to Mildred,” said Sir Bridgnorth. “Lord Courland, probably, will be disappointed when he finds the property pass away from him; but that will be the worst that can happen. And if his lordship is a loser, Charles Danvers will be an immense gainer. How oddly things turn out! After all, Charles may become master of Ouselcroft, in right of his wife. Ah! here he comes!” he added, as the captain made his appearance. “I wish I could tell him what a brilliant prospect he has before him; but I musn't.”
“Well; are you laying out your plans for the day?” said Captain Danvers, as he came up.
“No; we were talking about you,” replied Sir Bridgnorth. “I was wishing you might be able to reside here.”
“Ah, that's out of the question now!” rejoined the captain. “It's a charming place, but I fancy both Chetwynd and myself shall soon be shut out of it. Lord Courland is certain to make a great change, and bring in a new set. If I had been master here, my aim would have been to keep my old friends about me. Chetwynd should always have had his room, and old Norris should have remained in his place.”
“I'm glad to hear you say so,” remarked Sir Bridgnorth. “I'm certain Mr. Calverley never meant his property to be disposed of in this fashion. It's a great pity half didn't go to Mildred.”
“Ay; it ought to have been divided between Chetwynd and his sister. That would have been the right thing to do. Now, Mildred is not even to marry except With her step-mother's consent.”
“You need have no uneasiness on that score,” remarked Chetwynd. “Mildred will have her marriage portion, and something besides.”
“And if you require an additional guarantee, I'm ready to give it,” said Sir Bridgnorth. “But mind! should you ever come to be master here, I shall hold you to your promise to make us all at home.”
“You shan't need to remind me of it, should that fortunate day ever arrive,” said the captain.
At that moment, the person who seemed to stand most in the captain's way came forth, and wished them “Good morning.”
They all fancied he assumed a little of the air of the master of the house.
“I must consult you on a little matter after breakfast, Sir Bridgnorth,” he said. “I know you are a man of great taste. It strikes me some alterations might be made in the garden.”