“A terrible position to be placed in!” exclaimed Lord Widdrington. “I wonder you have recovered so soon from the effects of the fright.”
“I thought I should have sunk at the time,” she rejoined. “But fortunately my spirits supported me. I addressed a prayer to Saint Anna, and then felt easier. But deliverance did not come so soon as I expected, and there was an interval of dreadful suspense. You seemed long--long in coming,” she added to Lord Derwent-water. “Ah! when I heard your voice, I knew I was saved.”
“And your response gave me new life,” he said; “for hope was almost extinct within my breast. That cavern was the last place I searched, for though I had noticed the stone steps, I never thought you would venture down them.”
“I can guess all the rest,” said Lord Widdrington. “It must have been a joyful meeting.”
“The adventure was not an agreeable one,” said Anna. “But it has tested his lordship's affection for me. However, I promise to be more careful in future.”
“Yes, you have had a pretty good lesson, and will do well to profit by it,” said Lord Widdrington.
“My unlucky steed is to blame for it all,” she cried. “Had he not stumbled, nothing would have happened.”
“You have left him at Dunstanborough, I suppose?” observed Lord Widdrington.
“Yes, in charge of your groom,” she replied. “Your lordship's horse carries me capitally.”
“Then pray use him as long as you will! And now let us on, and relieve the anxiety of our friends.”
With this they quickened their pace, and made such good way that dinner was not quite over when they reached Bamborough.
Great rejoicing was manifested on their appearance, and when Anna's adventure became known, the feeling rose to excitement. Dorothy could not contain herself, but springing from her seat, rushed up to her friend and embraced her.
We need scarcely say that under such unusual circumstances another health was drunk, in addition to the grand toast, which was never omitted.
A great deal of claret was generally drunk at Mr. Forster's dinners, as we have already remarked, and the custom would probably not have been neglected on the present occasion if the prince had not risen early from table, and proceeded to the drawing-room, where there was music and singing.