He will be safe. And do not tell him that I have seen him so." He
stooped over and touched the old man's shoulder gently.
He held out his hand to her. She took it, then suddenly leaned over and
kissed it. She could not speak.
He stepped to the door and looked out. Behind the Red Mansion the sun was
setting, and the far garden looked cool and sweet. He gave a happy sigh,
and stepped out and down.
As he disappeared, the woman dropped into a chair, her arms upon a table.
Her body shook with sobs. She sat there for an hour, and then, when the
sun was setting, she left the drunken man sleeping, and made her way down
the hill to the Cloistered House. Entering, she was summoned to her
mistress's room. "I did not expect my lady so soon," she said, surprised.
"No; we came sooner than we expected. Where have you been?"
"At Soolsby's hut on the hill, my lady."
"Who is Soolsby?"
Kate told her all she knew, and of what had happened that afternoon--but
not all.
CHAPTER XXI
"THERE IS NOTHING HIDDEN WHICH SHALL NOT BE REVEALED"
A fortnight had passed since they had come to Hamley--David, Eglington,
and Hylda--and they had all travelled a long distance in mutual
understanding during that time, too far, thought Luke Claridge, who
remained neutral and silent.
Pages:
353
354
355
356
357
358
359
360
361
362
363
364
365
366
367
368
369
370
371
372
373
374
375
376
377