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For my part I have reason to bless the tempest I
which, I may say, brought me under your roof. 'It is an ill wind,' says
the proverb, 'that blows nobody good;' and it is a clear case, my very
kind hostess, that at this moment we are mutually ignorant of each
other. I assure you, then, madam, that I am not a knight-errant
travelling in disguise and in quest of adventure, but a plain gentleman,
by name Woodward, step-son to a neighbor of yours, Mr. Lindsay, of
Rathfillan House. I need scarcely say that I am Mrs. Lindsay's son by
her first husband. And now, madam, may I beg to know the name of the
family to whom I am indebted for so much kindness."
Mrs. Goodwin and her husband exchanged glances, and something like a
slight cloud appeared to overshadow for a moment the expression of their
countenances. At length Mr. Goodwin spoke.
"My name, sir," he proceeded, "is Goodwin; and until a recent melancholy
event, your family and mine were upon the best and most cordial terms;
but, unfortunately, I must say that we are not so now--a circumstance
which I and mine deeply regret.


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