And the same week, confiding his children to the joint care of Mirrable
and their nurse--an efficient, kind, and judicious woman--Lord Hartledon
departed from home and England for a sojourn on the Continent, long or
short, as inclination might lead him, feeling as a bird released from
its cage.
CHAPTER XXXIII.
COMING HOME.
Some eighteen months after the event recorded in the last chapter, a
travelling carriage dashed up to a house in Park Lane one wet evening
in spring. It contained Lord Hartledon and his second wife. They were
expected, and the servants were assembled in the hall.
Lord Hartledon led her into their midst, proudly, affectionately; as he
had never in his life led any other. Ah, you need not ask who she was; he
had contrived to win her, to win over Dr. Ashton; and his heart had at
length found rest. Her fair countenance, her thoughtful eyes and sweet
smile were turned on the servants, thanking them for their greeting.
"All well, Hedges?" asked Lord Hartledon.
"Quite well, my lord. But we are not alone."
"No!" said Val, stopping in his progress. "Who's here?"
"The Countess-Dowager of Kirton, my lord," replied Hedges, glancing at
Lady Hartledon in momentary hesitation.
"Oh, indeed!" said Val, as if not enjoying the information. "Just see,
Hedges, that the things inside the carriage are all taken out. Don't come
up, Mrs.
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