"The sound of wheels grew louder; a carriage appeared; and I recognized
my own chariot.
"'Why have you disobeyed my orders?' I said to the old gray-haired
driver, arresting the horses as I spoke, by violently grasping the
bridles.
"The old coachman looked frightened. Then he said, in an agitated
voice:--
"'Madam ordered me to obey her, sir.'
"'Madam?'
"'Yes, sir.'
"'Where is she?'
"'In the carriage, sir. As soon as I got back, she came down to the
door--ordered me to drive her to _you_--and I was obliged to do so,
sir.'
"'Good,' I said, 'you have done well.'
"And opening the door of the carriage, through the glass of which I saw
the pale face of the woman, I entered it, directing the coachman to
drive to the 'Hicksford Crossing.'
A hoarse, but defiant voice at my side said:--
"'Where is Mr. Mortimer?'
"'Gone over the river,' I said, laughing, 'and we are going, too.'
"'To rejoin him?'
"'Yes, madam.'
"The carriage had rolled on, and as it passed the grave I heard a
groan.
"'What is that?' said she.
"'The river is groaning over yonder, madam.'
"'You will not attempt to pass it to-night?'
"'Yes, madam. Are you afraid?'
"She looked at me with fiery eyes.
"'Afraid? No!' she said, 'I am afraid of nothing!'
"I really admired her at that moment.
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