Lady Joan and myself had once the pleasure of meeting
you, I think, at Mr Trafford's. It is a long time ago, but,"
he added in a subdued tone, "you are not a person to forget."
Sybil was insensible to Mr Mountchesney's gallantry, but
alarmed and perplexed, she yielded to the representations of
himself and Lady Joan, and got into the phaeton. Turning from
the river, they pursued a road which entered after a short
progress into the park, Mr Mountchesney cantering on before
them, Harold following. They took their way for about a mile
through a richly-wooded demesne, Lady Joan addressing many
observations with great kindness to Sybil, and frequently
endeavouring, though in vain, to distract her agitated
thoughts, till they at length emerged from the more covered
parts into extensive lawns, while on a rising ground which
they rapidly approached rose Mowbray Castle, a modern
castellated building, raised in a style not remarkable for its
taste or correctness, but vast, grand, and imposing.
"And now," said Mr Mountchesney, riding up to them and
addressing Sybil, "I will send off a scout immediately for
news of your father. In the mean time let us believe the
best!" Sybil thanked him with cordiality, and then she
entered--Mowbray Castle.
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