ness into a chair, somewhat behind the
Lady Helen Oswald, and shaded by her figure from the light upon the
table, was the powerful form of our old acquaintance Green. But there
was in the whole attitude which he had assumed an apathy, a weary
sort of thoughtfulness, which struck Wilton very much the moment he
beheld him. Green's eyes, indeed, were raised to mark the opening
door, but still there was a gloomy want of interest in their glance
which was utterly unlike the quick and sparkling vivacity which had
characterized them in former times.
The first who spoke was Lord Sherbrooke, who, still holding
Caroline's hand in his, held out the other to his friend, saying, in
a tone of some feeling, but at the same time of feeling decidedly
melancholy, "This is a sight that will give you pleasure, Wilton."
"It is, indeed, my dear Sherbrooke," replied Wilton; "only I do wish
that it had been rendered more pleasant still, by seeing no remaining
trace of illness in this lady's face."
"I am better, sir, much better," she said; "for my recovery has been
certain and uninterrupted, though somewhat long. If I could but teach
your friend to bear a little adversity as unrepining as I have borne
sickness, we might be very happy. I am very glad, indeed, to see you,
sir," she continued; "for you must know, that this is my house that
you are in," and she smiled gaily as she spoke: "but though I should
always have been happy to welcome you as Sherbrooke's friend, yet I
do so more gladly now, as it gives me the opportunity of thanking you
for all the care and kindness that you showed me upon a late
occasion."
Though Wilton had his heart too full of painful memories to speak
cheerfully upon any subject, yet he said all that was courteous, and
all that was kind; and, as it were to force himself to show an
interest, which he would more really have experienced at another
moment, he added, "I often wished to know how the sad adventures of
that night ended."
The lady coloured; but he instantly continued, "I mean what was the
result, when the constables, and other people, visited the house. I
knew that Sherbrooke's very name was sufficient to protect him, and
all in whom he had an interest, and therefore I took no steps in the
matter; but I much wished to hear what followed after I had left the
place, though, as Sherbrooke said nothing, I did not like to question
him."
"You have questioned me on deeper subjects than that, Wilton,"
replied Lord Sherbrooke.--"But the matter that yo