ould meet if it turned out that they had taken fright
without cause.

At his exclamation, Amy leant forward, and beckoned. Markham came up to
the window, and after the greeting on each side, walked along with
his hand on the door, as the carriage slowly mounted the steep hill,
answering her questions: 'How is he?'

'No better. He has been putting on leeches, and made himself so giddy,
that yesterday he could hardly stand.'

'And they have not relieved him?'

'Not in the least. I am glad you are come, for it has been an absurd way
of going on.'

'Is he up?'

'Yes; on the sofa in the library.'

'Did you give him my note? Does he expect us?'

'No, I went to see about telling him this morning, but found him so low
and silent, I thought it was better not. He has not opened a letter this
week, and he might have refused to see you, as he did Lord Thorndale.
Besides, I didn't know how he would take my writing about him, though
if you had not written, I believe I should have let Mrs. Henley know by
this time.'

'There is an escape for him,' murmured Charles to his sister.

'We have done the best in our power to receive you' proceeded Markham;
'I hope you will find it comfortable, Lady Morville, but--'

'Thank you, I am not afraid,' said Amy, smiling a little. Markham's eye
was on the little white bundle in her lap, but he did not speak of
it, and went on with explanations about Mrs. Drew and Bolton and the
sitting-room, and tea being ready.

Charles saw the great red pile of building rise dark, gloomy, and
haunted-looking before them. The house that should have been Amabel's!
Guy's own beloved home! How could she bear it? But she was eagerly
asking Markham how Philip should be informed of their arrival, and
Markham was looking perplexed, and saying, that to drive under the
gateway, into the paved court, would make a thundering sound, that he
dreaded for Mr. Morville. Could Mr. Charles Edmonstone cross the court
on foot? Charles was ready to do so; the carriage stopped, Amabel gave
the baby to Anne, saw Arnaud help Charles out; and turning to Markham,
said, 'I had better go to him at once. Arnaud will show my brother the
way.'

'The sitting-room, Arnaud' said Markham, and walked on fast with her,
while Charles thought how strange to see her thus pass the threshold of
her husband's house, come thither to relieve and comfort his enemy.

She entered the dark-oak hall. On one side the light shone cheerfully
from th