to the bewildered girl, "We must thank Mr. Vernon before we go."
"This Mr. Vernon's house?" exclaimed Rebecca, turning yet paler.
"It is my house; and where could you be more welcome?" said its master.
Rebecca rose and thanked him for his kindness; and, touched by his obvious sympathy, as well as reassured by his reserved and unusually gentle manner, she did not refuse his request, that Hannah at least should take some refreshment before their departure. One common-place remark after another had sunk into silence, when Vernon somewhat abruptly asked, "If she knew that orders had been given to fit up the old house for the reception of its owner?"
"I have known it for some days," was the reply. "It will no more be a home suited for a youthful female."
"Certainly not; neither have I the slightest intention of remaining."
"Have you, then, fixed on any future plan?"
"Yes."
"You intend, I suppose, continuing in this neighbourhood?"
Rebecca hesitated. Vernon's hasty temper could no longer bear the curb.
"I might have guessed you would stay: Aubrey de Vere is young and unmarried—no bad chance for an errant princess!"
