CHAPTER V.
THE DRAWING-ROOM.
On the fourth day following the adventure detailed in the last chapter, I made my appearance in the drawing-room, my cheek well blanched by copious bleeding, and my step tottering and uncertain.

On entering the room, I looked about in vain for some one who might give me an insight into the occurrences of the four preceding days; but no one was to be met with.

The ladies, I learned, were out riding; Matthew was buying a new setter, Mr.
Blake was canvassing, and Captain Hammersley was in bed.

Where was Miss Dashwood ?--in her room; and Sir George ?--he was with Mr.Blake.
"What! Canvassing, too ?" "Troth, that same was possible," was the intelligent reply of the old butler, at which I could not help smiling.

I sat down, therefore, in the easiest chair I could find, and unfolding the county paper, resolved upon learning how matters were going on in the political world.