probably have desired; for, as he chanced^ to be at home, the landlady ushered Mr. Wood at once into the parlour.
Though his duties were confined to so remote a spot, and to a sphere so narrow, Mr. Wood was a man of education and ability; and it is possible that the solitude of the last few days had made the sound of a friendly voice less unwelcome to Randolph Grey than he would have admitted even to himself. Certain it is, that the clergyman's conversation so far won upon him, that his heart was unlocked to give him some slight intimation of the reasons which had induced him to seek this secluded retreat, that the two gentlemen sate long in discourse together, and that before the visit ended, Captain Grey had accepted the pressing
.png)
invitation of his new acquaintance to drink tea at the parsonage on the following evening, and when the time came, stimulated perhaps by curiosity to see the clergyman's wife, he addressed himself to the fulfilment of his engagement with less reluctance than he would fain have persuaded himself that he felt. When he was introduced to Mrs. Wood, however, he was well-nigh disappointed to find how well she answered to his pre-conceived idea of what she ought to be. She was some years younger than her husband, and appeared as active, brisk, and cheerful a little woman as one could wish to see—happy in her home, her husband, and her duties. His conjectures about the stranger were all at fault, and he was pondering how he could frame an inquiry concerning her without betraying the scene which he had witnessed, when he was spared the trouble by Mr. Wood, who, seeing tea was ready, inquired of his wife whether "Rachel" were not well that she had not yet made her appearance.
"She is coming down directly," replied Mrs. Wood, "and I am glad of it. I think she has seemed more depressed than usual for the last few days, and a little society will perhaps do her good. She is a lady who is living with us," added Mrs. Wood, in explanation to her guest.
At that moment the door opened, and "Rachel" entered. She was indeed the Lady of the Rocks; and as Mr. Wood introduced him to Miss Morland, Captain Grey perceived that she recognised him, though apparently with little interest, and no embarrassment. She thanked him courteously for the assistance he had rendered her, which led to an explanation of their meeting, and of their mutual surprise at seeing in so lonely a spot a stranger above the condition of a peasant.
After this Miss Morland lapsed into silence, leaving it to Mr. and Mrs. Wood to sustain the conversation with their guest; but his interest was excited, and he examined her closely. She might almost have been called handsome, or rather striking, for her beauty was less that of form or colouring than of expression, although now her countenance was melancholy almost to gloom. He thought he perceived in her the same listless despondency of which he himself so well knew the bitterness; and his sympathy being thus