here the Duke
remained, and both continued silent and embarrassed. It was some
time, indeed, before Wilton's orders could be obeyed, for his valise
had been carried up to his usual apartments. At length, however, the
horse was announced, and Wilton went towards the door,--
"I now take my leave of you, my lord," he said, "and in doing so,
shall endeavour to bear with me all the bright memories of much
kindness experienced at your hands, and forgetfulness of one night's
unkindness, which I trust and believe I have deserved even less than
I did your former goodness towards me. For yourself I shall ever
retain feelings of the deepest regard and esteem; for your daughter,
undying love and attachment."
The Duke was somewhat moved, and very much embarrassed; and whether
from habit, embarrassment, or real feelings of regard, he held out
his hand to Wilton as they parted. Wilton took it, and pressed it in
his own. A single bright drop rose in his eye, and feeling that if he
remained another moment his self-command would give way, he left the
Duke, and sprang upon his horse's back.
Two or three of the old servants were in the hall as he passed,
witnessing, with evident marks of consternation and grief, his sudden
departure from Somersbury. The Duke's head groom kept his stirrup,
and to his surprise he saw the old butler himself holding the rein.
As Wilton thanked him and took it, however, the man slipped a note
into his hand, saying in a low voice, "From my young lady." Wilton
clasped his fingers tight upon it, and with one consolation, at
least, rode away from the house where he had known so much happiness.

CHAPTER XXXVII.
The light was fading away as Wilton took his path through the thick
trees of the park up towards the lodge at the gates; but at the first
opening where the last rays of the evening streamed through, he
opened Laura's note, and found light enough to read it, though
perhaps no other eyes than those of love could have accomplished half
so much; and oh, what a joy and what a satisfaction it was to him
when he did read it! though he found afterwards, that note had been
written while the eyes were dropping fast with tears.
"Fear not, dear Wilton," it said: "I have only time to
bid you not to fear. I am yours, ever yours; and whatever
you may be told, never believe that I give even one thought
to any other man.
"LAURA GAVESTON."
She signed her name at full, as if she felt that it was a so