The Doctor’s horses now appeared.  Both master and groom wore their pistols in their holsters.  The Doctor shook hands warmly with Lady Annabel, and patted Venetia on her head, as she ran up from a little distance, with an eager countenance, to receive her accustomed blessing.  Then mounting his stout mare, he once more waived his hand with an air of courtliness to his hostess, and was soon out of sight.  Lady Annabel and Venetia returned to the terrace-room.

CHAPTER V.

‘And so I would, my lady,’ said Mistress Pauncefort, when Lady Annabel communicated to her faithful attendant, at night, the news of the arrival of the Cadurcis family at the abbey, and her intention of paying Mrs. Cadurcis a visit; ‘and so I would, my lady,’ said Mistress Pauncefort, ’and it would be but an act of Christian charity after all, as the Doctor says; for although it is not for me to complain when my betters are satisfied, and after all I am always content, if your ladyship be; still there is no denying the fact, that this is a terrible lonesome life after all.  And I cannot help thinking your ladyship has not been looking so well of late, and a little society would do your ladyship good; and Miss Venetia too, after all, she wants a playfellow; I am certain sure that I was as tired of playing at ball with her this morning as if I had never sat down in my born days; and I dare say the little lord will play with her all day long.’

’If I thought that this visit would lead to what is understood by the word society, my good Pauncefort, I certainly should refrain from paying it,’ said Lady Annabel, very quietly.

’Oh!  Lord, dear my lady, I was not for a moment dreaming of any such thing,’ replied Mistress Pauncefort; ’society, I know as well as any one, means grand balls, Ranelagh, and the masquerades.  I can’t abide the thought of them, I do assure your ladyship; all I meant was that a quiet dinner now and then with a few friends, a dance perhaps in the evening, or a hand of whist, or a game of romps at Christmas, when the abbey will of course be quite full, a—­’

’I believe there is as little chance of the abbey being full at Christmas, or any other time, as there is of Cherbury.’ said Lady Annabel.  ’Mrs. Cadurcis is a widow, with a very slender fortune.  Her son will not enjoy his estate until he is of age, and its rental is small.  I am led to believe that they will live quite as quietly as ourselves; and when I spoke of Christian charity, I was thinking only of kindness towards them, and not of amusement for ourselves.’

‘Well, my lady, your la’ship knows best,’ replied Mistress Pauncefort, evidently very disappointed; for she had indulged in momentary visions of noble visitors and noble valets; ’I am always content, you know, when your la’ship is; but, I must say, I think it is very odd for a lord to be so poor.  I never heard of such a thing.  I think they will turn out richer than you have an idea, my lady.  Your la’ship knows ‘tis quite a saying, “As rich as a lord."’