The fresh horses, therefore, had only the brief task of conveying
the General's travelling carriage to Woodville Castle. A porter
admitted them at a modern Gothic lodge, built in that style to
correspond with the castle itself, and at the same time rang a
bell to give warning of the approach of visitors. Apparently the
sound of the bell had suspended the separation of the company,
bent on the various amusements of the morning; for, on entering
the court of the chateau, several young men were lounging about
in their sporting dresses, looking at and criticizing the dogs
which the keepers held in readiness to attend their pastime. As
General Browne alighted, the young lord came to the gate of the
hall, and for an instant gazed, as at a stranger, upon the
countenance of his friend, on which war, with its fatigues and
its wounds, had made a great alteration. But the uncertainty
lasted no longer than till the visitor had spoken, and the hearty
greeting which followed was such as can only be exchanged betwixt
those who have passed together the merry days of careless boyhood
or early youth.

"If I could have formed a wish, my dear Browne," said Lord
Woodville, "it would have been to have you here, of all men, upon
this occasion, which my friends are good enough to hold as a sort
of holiday. Do not think you have been unwatched during the
years you have been absent from us. I have traced you through
your dangers, your triumphs, your misfortunes, and was delighted
to see that, whether in victory or defeat, the name of my old
friend was always distinguished with applause."

The General made a suitable reply, and congratulated his friend
on his new dignities, and the possession of a place and domain so