Amabel could obtain no explanation of this change from Prudence; and her uneasiness was not diminished when the vehicle, which was driven down a narrow street on the left immediately after quitting the bridge, stopped at the entrance of a large court-yard.

Rochester, who had already dismounted, assisted her to alight, and in answer to her hasty inquiries why he had brought her thither, told her he thought it better to defer taking her to her father till the morrow.

Obliged to be content with this excuse, she was led into the house, severely reproaching herself for her indiscretion.
Nothing, however, occurred to alarm her that night.

The earl was even more deferential than before, and assuring her he would fulfil his promise in the morning, confided her to Prudence.
The house whither she had been brought was large and old-fashioned.

The rooms had once been magnificently fitted up, but the hangings and furniture were much faded, and had a gloomy and neglected air.