Page:Between Two Loves.djvu/125

120 left the mill early, went home and dressed, and then ordered his carriage for Aske Hall.

His presentiment had been in some measure a true one. Aske and his wife had arrived during the afternoon, and as he entered the large and lofty vestibule he saw Anthony coming down the great stairway in dinner dress. Small and slight as he was, Jonathan could not help being struck with his aristocratic appearance: he had the manner of a man accustomed to the highest peaks of social life, mingled with that calm confidence which comes from inherited considerations. The two men met with sincere emotion and kindness. "I am particularly glad to see you, sir," said Anthony, "I have sent a groom to Burley House with the news of our arrival, but he has hardly had time to get there."

"Ney, I didn't see him. I came on my own order. How is Eleanor, poor lass?"

"Still weak and fretting. She has been longing to see you."

They had been approaching the drawing-room as they spoke, and when Anthony opened the door Burley saw his daughter ere she had any idea of his presence. The glance filled him