At length the carriage stopped, the step was let down, Walwyn hastily jumped out: Mary Cuthbert trembled from head to foot as she gave him her hand; but there was no time allowed her for reflection; she was led through the corridor, the door of an elegant apartment was thrown open, Miss Moreton sprang from a sofa, and throwing back a long veil, which half shaded her fine form, she pressed Mary Cuthbert to her bosom, saying ‘Welcome! thrice welcome, my dear Mary, to my house and to my heart!’ There was something peculiarly grateful to the poor trembling girl in such a reception; she could not speak her thanks, but she smiled through her tears, and when placed at the side of Miss Moreton, she had time to observe her reception of the two gentlemen. Miss Moreton stretched out her hand, in token of amity to Mr. Montgomery, assured him that she had long wished for his acquaintance; and then, turning to Captain Walwyn, said in a style of theatrical declamation, ‘Walwyn, at sight of thee my gloomy heart cheers up, and gladness dawns within me!’ – ‘And this long absence has been to me more tedious than a twice told tale;’ said Walwyn, kissing her hand gallantly, and answering in the tragic strain. ‘But how comes it, that I see my fair alone?’ ‘I purposely came hither to receive my cousin,’ answered Miss Moreton, ‘thinking that our first meeting required not a crowd of witnesses; but now that we are known to each other,’ said she, turning to Mary, and taking her hand, ‘let me, my dear girl, introduce you to the apartment where my friends are anxiously awaiting us.