Then fresh exclamations of wonder, delight, and triumph.
The Duke forgot everything but his love, and for three hours felt the
happiest of men.
At length Mr. Dacre rose and looked at his watch with a shaking head. 'I
have a most important appointment,' said he, 'and I must gallop to keep
it. God bless you, my dear St. James! I could stay talking with you for
ever; but you must be utterly wearied. Now, my dear boy, go to bed.'
'To bed!' exclaimed the Duke. 'Why, Tom Rawlins would laugh at you!'
'And who is Tom Rawlins?'
'Ah! I cannot tell you everything; but assuredly I am not going to bed.'
'Well, May, I leave him to your care; but do not let him talk any more.'
'Oh! sir,' said the Duke, 'I really had forgotten. I am the bearer to
you, sir, of a letter from Mr. Arundel Dacre.' He gave it him.
As Mr. Dacre read the communication, his countenance changed, and
the smile which before was on his face, vanished. But whether he were
displeased, or only serious, it was impossible to ascertain, although
the Duke watched him narrowly. At length he said, 'May! here is a letter
from Arundel, in which you are much interested.
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