ABSTRACT
IT is now necessary that the narrative should briefly return to the period of Miss Brotherton’s arrival at Milford Park, after her unsuccessful expedition in pursuit of Michael.
There was no needless delay between this return to her home, and the communication to Mrs. Armstrong and Edward of the dismal news of which she was the bearer ; nor was there any consultation on this occasion, concerning the mode of her reaching Hoxley-lane. Poor Mary had greatly advanced in independence of spirit within the last few months; and had she encountered all the military quartered within twenty miles, with the Dowling family inarching in procession at their head, she would have quietly driven through them all, with the carriage-windows up, perhaps, but with no greater precaution-except, indeed, an order to the coachman to drive on without stopping, let them meet who they would.
