“Greek!” exclaimed Sir Edward in astonishment.

“Greek!” said the uncle.  “Lord Gosford read Greek; but I believe never conversed in that language.”

“Yes, Sir Edward—­yes, your honor—­pure wild Greek; it must have been something of that kind,” added Peter, with positiveness, “that would make a man refuse such offers—­Miss Emmy—­the lodge—­L10,000!”—­and the steward shook his head with much satisfaction at having discovered the cause.

Sir Edward smiled at the simplicity of Johnson, but disliking the idea attached to the refusal of his daughter, said, “Perhaps, after all, uncle, there has been some misunderstanding between Emily and Denbigh, which may have driven him from us so suddenly.”

Mr. Benfield and his steward exchanged looks, and a new idea broke upon them at the instant.  They had both suffered in that way; and after all it might prove that Emily was the one whose taste or feelings had subverted their schemes.  The impression, once made, soon became strong, and the party separated; the master thinking alternately on Lady Juliana and his niece, while the man, after heaving one heavy sigh to the memory of Patty Steele, proceeded to the usual occupations of his office.

Mrs. Wilson thinking a ride would be of service to Emily, and having the fullest confidence in her self-command and resignation, availed herself of a fine day to pay a visit to their friend in the cottage.  Mrs. Fitzgerald received them in her usual manner, but a single glance of her eye sufficed to show the aunt that she noticed the altered appearance of Emily and her manners, although without knowing its true reason, which she did not deem it prudent to explain.  Julia handed her friend a note which she said she had received the day before, and desired their counsel how to proceed in the present emergency.  As Emily was to be made acquainted with its contents, her aunt read it aloud as follows: 

“MY DEAR NIECE,

“Your father and myself had been induced to think you were leading a disgraceful life, with the officer your husband had consigned you to the care of; for hearing of your captivity, I had arrived with a band of Guerillas, on the spot where you were rescued, early the next morning, and there learnt of the peasants your misfortunes and retreat.  The enemy pressed us too much to allow us to deviate from our route at the time; but natural affection and the wishes of your father have led me to make a journey to England, in order to satisfy our doubts as regards your conduct.  I have seen you, heard your character in the neighborhood, and after much and long search have found out the officer, and am satisfied, that so far as concerns your deportment, you are an injured woman.  I have therefore to propose to you, on my own behalf, and that of the Conde, that you adopt the faith, of your country, and return with me to the arms of your parent, whose heiress you will be, and whose life you may be the means of prolonging.  Direct your answer to me, to the care of our ambassador; and as you decide, I am your mother’s brother, LOUIS M’CARTHY Y HARRISON.”