Lady Barfleur took leave of her daughter in private, and bedewed her cheek with tears when she embraced her at parting; but not many tears were shed on either side when Mildred bade her step-mother adieu.
Captain Danvers offered his hand to the offended damsel as she stepped into the carriage, but she declined the assistance.
Accompanied by Chetwynd, the two girls drove in the large, old-fashioned carriage to Chester, whence they proceeded by rail to London, arriving at Kensington about six o'clock.
Having conducted them to Lady Thicknesse's residence in Belgrave Square, Chetwynd took leave, promising to call on the morrow.
He then drove to the Grosvenor Hotel, where he engaged a room, and ordered dinner.
I. IN WHICH CHETWYND LEARNS HOW A QUARREL HAS TAKEN PLACE BETWEEN ROSE AND HARRY NETTERVILLE.
|After he had dined, Chetwynd took a hansom cab and drove to Lambeth.
Alighting at the foot of the bridge, he walked to Hartley's house in Spencer's Rents, wondering whether he should find any one at home.
He knocked, but not very loudly, and the summons was presently answered by Mrs. Hartley, who came from the kitchen with a light.
“Why, bless me! if it ain't Mr. Walter Liddel--or rather I ought to say Mr. Chetwynd Calverley!” she exclaimed, very nearly letting the candle drop in her surprise. “Who would have thought of seeing you here to-night, sir?”
“I've just come to town, Mrs. Hartley,” he replied, “and I couldn't help calling to inquire how you all are. How is your worthy husband?--and how is Rose?”
“Both are well, sir,” she replied, in a tone that did not sound very cheerful, “But pray come in, sir,” she added, leading him to the little parlour, with which he was so familiar.
When another candle was lighted, and he had taken his seat, she remarked: “A good deal has happened since you went away, sir.”
“Nothing unpleasant, I hope?” he inquired.
“You'll be sorry to hear that Rose's engagement with Harry Netterville is broken off.”
“Broken off!” he exclaimed. “That is bad news indeed! On what account?”
“I was going to say on your account, sir; but that wouldn't be right,” she replied. “However, this is what has taken place. An anonymous letter has been sent to Harry Netterville making reflections upon Rose's conduct with you; and as Harry is very jealous, he believed what was said, and reproached her; and Rose being very hasty, a quarrel ensued, and they both declare they won't make it up, but I hope they will, for I'm sure they're very much attached to each other.”