“Why, yes—­yes—­she did marry, it’s true, although she did tell me she intended to die a maid; but—­hem—­I suppose—­hem—­it was compassion for the old viscount, who often said he could not live without her; and then it gave her the power of doing so much good, a jointure of five thousand a year added to her own income:  yet—­hem—­I do confess I did not think she would have chosen such an old and infirm man—–­ but, Peter, give me a glass of claret.”  Peter handed the claret, and the old man proceeded:—­“They say he was very cross to her, and that, no doubt, must have made her unhappy, she was so very tender-hearted.”

How much longer the old gentleman would have continued in this strain, it is impossible to say; but he was interrupted by the opening of the parlor door, and the sudden appearance on its threshold of Denbigh.  Every countenance glowed with pleasure at this unexpected return of their favorite; and but for the prudent caution of Mrs. Wilson, in handing a glass of water to her niece, the surprise might have proved too much for her.  The salutations of Denbigh were returned by the different members of the family with a cordiality that must have told him how much he was valued by all its branches; and after briefly informing them that his review was over, and that he had thrown himself into a chaise and travelled post until he had rejoined them, he took his seat by Mr. Benfield, who received him with a marked preference, exceeding that which he had shown to any man who had ever entered his doors, Lord Gosford himself not excepted.  Peter removed from his station behind his master’s chair to one where he could face the new comer; and after wiping his eyes until they filled so rapidly with water, that at last he was noticed by the delighted John to put on the identical goggles which his care had provided for Denbigh in his illness.  His laugh drew the attention of the rest to the honest steward, and when Denbigh was told this was Mr. Benfield’s ambassador to the hall, he rose from his chair, and taking the old man by the hand, kindly thanked him for his thoughtful consideration for his weak eyes.

Peter took the offered hand in both his own, and after making one or two unsuccessful efforts to speak, he uttered, “Thank you, thank you; may Heaven bless you,” and burst into tears.  This stopped the laugh, and John followed the steward from the room, while his master exclaimed, wiping his eyes, “Kind and condescending; just such another as my old friend, the Earl of Gosford.”

Chapter XXIII.

At the appointed hour, the carriage of Mrs. Wilson was ready to convey herself and niece to the cottage of Mrs. Fitzgerald.  John was left behind, under the pretence of keeping Denbigh company in his morning avocations, but really because Mrs. Wilson doubted the propriety of his becoming a visiting acquaintance at the house, tenanted as the cottage was represented to be.  John was too fond of his friend to make any serious objections, and was satisfied for the present, by sending his compliments, and requesting his sister to ask permission for him to call in one of his morning excursions, in order to pay his personal respects.