The times., 1900-12-30

s The Case Of Richard DaqQarf


| honor of proffering it. May hope that
you will proceed in it?"
She recovered and looked at me steadily,
but as steadily at her.
''Sir. IL you have overheard me, you
know that am over anxious to go on at
once. my carriage having gone to the Cross
Roads to meet traveller. But under the
circumstances. you cannot expect me to
make use Of the coach which you have al
ready engaged
1T is only the public one from the lower
tayern.' said. My name, madam, is
Cecil Eyersham and II, as 1 could not for
bear hearing, you are Mistress Truxall, of
Tewipton, my father knew your father.
Mr.. Marshall Truxall, when in London.
Therefore as you are alone. Mistress Trux
all, / hope that you may allow me to be
Of service" A shade OF relief passed over
her face, and she courtesied, showing
glimpse OF blue petticoat and a shining
shoe buckle. ! could scarcely help smiling,
she was so tail TO be so young, and SO
young to be SO proud Il fear that our
routes may lie apart, and thus disarrange
your plans" said she.
Ny route lies in whatever direction
yours may be, Mistress Truxall," I an
swered.
Then. sir, am forced 10 accept your
favor. May We proceed at once? ! go to
Kings Manor, Mr.. William Perris' place,
where there is to be Christmas dance"
/ left, and in a moment more announced
that the coach was waiting. At the inn
door darkness and whirling snow met US,
and she drew back.
1T is very wet May lift you to the
coach. Miss Truxall?" said !, but she
started outward quickly. Then some
spirit which urges us to meet steel with
steel caused me to lift her suddenly and
carry her as a child, and deposit her in
the coach among the rugs and hot bricks.
heard a muffled protest, and the lantern
light showed her lips compressed in an
ger as l drew the rugs around ner and
shut the door upon the maid. Then
climbed up outside with the driver, and
amid much calling and creaking we start
ed into the darkness. 1t had all been
rather hurried and dreamlike. That Miss
Truxall was an impetuous child one mo-
ment and a woman the next was easy to
see, but it was as certain that had she
been a man there was that in us both
which could only have met steel or pow
der.
AT he first stopping place, two miles
farther, when the driver had gone in after
a hamper of turkeys, also climbed down.
and, stamping some warmth into my feet,
opened the coach door to enquire if she
were comfortable.
"Quite," said Mistress Truxall, leaning
forward, affably, but is it not very cold
outsider"
Very" said l, truthfully.
"And snowy" she asked, her face like
a flower unsheathed from its hood.
Very"
Then had you not better ride within?"
she said.
81 should deem 1t the more Christian
way to meet this heather weather."
admitted, 'for at least short distance"
"Then why don't your" said she.
81 cannot presume to enter the coach
without invitation from its present
Ohncig itpiiSu, lHSh bHe
the rugs aside, and said, impatiently:
''oh, do come in out of the snow and
be sensitle!"
! took the cloak off my travelling coat
and brushed it free of snow, and rolled
it under the seat, climbing in beside her,
Nancy, the maid, now being asleep oppo-
site.
why should you do that?" she asked,
/ as We started again.
Lest 1t should be damp and touch
you,' / answered. Then l sat silently,
but could not. for the life OF me, forbear
stealing a glance, now and then, at her
profile in the lantern light, which fash
ed waveringly into the coach as we lum-
bered on, and presently she spoke again:
81 would not have you think IL any habit.
or my fathers wish, that / shoald be out
this late unattended. He-he did not