“RODERIC BENFIELD.”

The result of Peter’s reconnoitering expedition has never reached our knowledge, unless the arrival of a servant some days after he took his leave, with a pair of enormous-goggles, and which the old gentleman assured his nephew in a note, both Peter and himself had found useful to weak eyes in their occasional sickness, might have been owing to the prudent forecast of the sagacious steward.

Chapter XXI.

The morning on which Denbigh-left B——­ was a melancholy one to all the members of the little circle, in which he had been so distinguished for his modesty, his intelligence, and his disinterested intrepidity.  Sir Edward took an opportunity solemnly to express his gratitude for the services he had rendered him, and having retired to his library, delicately and earnestly pressed his availing himself of the liberal offer of Mr. Benfield to advance his interest in the army.

“Look upon me, my dear Mr. Denbigh,” said the good baronet, pressing him by the hand, while the tears stood in his eyes, “as a father, to supply the place of the one you have so recently lost.  You are my child; I feel as a parent to you, and must be suffered to act as one.”

To this affectionate offer of Sir Edward, Denbigh replied with an emotion equal to that of the baronet, though he declined, with respectful language, his offered assistance as unnecessary.  He had friends powerful enough to advance his interests, without resorting to the use of money; and on taking Sir Edward’s hand, as he left the apartment, he added with great warmth, “yet, my dear Sir, the day will come, I hope, when I shall ask a boon from your hands, that no act of mine or a life of service could entitle me to receive.”

The baronet smiled his assent to a request he already understood, and Denbigh withdrew.

John Moseley insisted on putting the bays in requisition to carry Denbigh for the first stage, and they now stood caparisoned for the jaunt, with their master in a less joyous mood than common, waiting the appearance of his companion.

Emily delighted in their annual excursion to Benfield Lodge.  She was beloved so warmly, and returned the affection of its owner so sincerely, that the arrival of the day never failed to excite that flow of spirits which generally accompanies anticipated pleasures, ere experience has proved how trifling are the greatest enjoyments the scenes of this life bestow.  Yet as the day of their departure drew near, her spirits sunk in proportion; and on the morning of Denbigh’s leave-taking, Emily seemed anything but excessively happy.  There was a tremor in her voice and a redness about her eyes that alarmed Lady Moseley; but as the paleness of her cheeks was immediately succeeded by as fine a color as the heart could wish, the anxious mother allowed herself to be persuaded by Mrs. Wilson there was no danger, and she accompanied her sister to her own room for some purpose of domestic economy.  It was at this moment Denbigh entered:  he had paid his adieus to the matrons at the door, and been directed by them to the little parlor in quest of Emily.