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as circumstances have rendered him fatherless, I will, while I live, be like a father to him. We need not revert to those circumstances now, but I hope that when we return, our friendship will be cemented, and that we shall live thenceforward in unity and peace."
Aunt Eleanor responded to the expression of this hope, and as the ladies were by this time ready, they affectionately bade her adieu, and were conducted by the reverend gentleman to the carriage.
"We may not return for a week," said Howard; "but Sylvester will write to you to-morrow." And having taken leave of the reverend gentleman, he entered the carriage and they were off.
On the road Howard perfectly well understood the affectionate feelings which existed between Sylvester and Henriette; but as he believed him to be worthy of her, and knew her to be worthy of him, he did not attempt to check the development of those feelings, but on the contrary, felt justified in promoting their cultivation.
Having arrived at the fourth stage they stopped and dined, and nothing could exceed in intensity the happiness of both Henriette and Mrs. Howard; for, while the former had commenced a new state of existence, the latter had returned to that state in which, formerly, her guileless heart had known nothing but joy.
They were happy, indeed!—most happy: they wept, they were so happy. And Howard wept too: nay, tears sprang into Sylvester's eyes—their happiness was so contagious.
Having dined, they went on, and reached town about six, and had coffee, and went to the Opera with Tom, and, in the morning, Scholefield introduced Howard to Sir Charles, and had a long and most interesting interview with him.
Sir Charles had previously felt convinced of the fact of Lady Julian being innocent: for Scholefield had related to him the whole of the circumstances connected with the case of Mrs. Howard, and, therefore, when Howard himself had stated that a reconciliation had been effected, Sir Charles felt so perfectly satisfied, that he exclaimed, "this young man is innocent, I see! Both he and Lady Julian are innocent! The damages shall not, of course, be enforced. I'm entitled to no 'damages.' I've received no damage. I have not—I feel that I have not—been injured. They made it out that I wanted the two thousand pounds. I'll not have the two thousand pounds. But if that young man should ever want two thousand, let him come to me, and he shall have it!"
This was the result of the interview; and, before Howard reached his hotel, Sir Charles was with General Lloyd.
The general, on receiving his card, felt quite inclined to treat him with contempt; but, on reflection, he thought it would be better to see him, and, therefore, sent word down that he'd be with him anon.
"Well," said he, haughtily, as he entered the room; "what do you want here, Sir Charles Julian?"
"What do I want here!" exclaimed Sir Charles, not anticipating such a reception. "If we can speak to each other calmly, let us do so: if not, our interview is at an end."
"Calmly! What do you want here?"