"
Mr. Lamb took his morocco slippers back to the house, and soon
reappeared at the gate, Gladstone bag and cane in hand, looking at the
approaching stage. It was filled up with a roughish crowd, all except
one seat in the back, into which he jumped. The driver flicked his
horses, and Bridesdale was relieved of the presence of Orther Lom.
"Marjorie," said Miss Du Plessis, "I have bad news for you."
"What is it, Cecile?"
"Your young man has called me by my Christian name, without even putting
Miss before it."
"Have you killed him and dug his grave with those eyes of yours?"
"No, I simply told him that Mr. Coristine had returned to Toronto,
perhaps on Crown Land business."
"Well?"
"It terrified him so, that he packed his valise forthwith and is gone."
"But how?"
"By the stage. Did you not hear the horn just now?
"No, I was too busy with that delightful Mr. Bigglethorpe. But do you
mean to tell me that Arthur has left without a farewell word to
anybody?"
"He said, 'Please remember me to Marjorie, will you, Cecile?' What do
you think of that?"
"What odious impertinence! I am glad the silly creature has gone, and,
were it not for the safety of your land, I wish he had never come.
Pages:
594
595
596
597
598
599
600
601
602
603
604
605
606
607
608
609
610
611
612
613
614
615
616
617
618