CHAPTER IX.


ANGUS EGERTON IS REJECTED.


The expected storm came next day, and Milly and I were caught in it.
We had gone for a ramble across the moor, and were luckily within a
short distance of Rebecca Thatcher's cottage when the first vivid
flash broke through the leaden clouds, and the first long peal of
thunder came crashing over the open landscape. We set off for Mrs.
Thatcher's habitation at a run, and arrived there breathless.

The herbalist was not alone. A tall dark figure stood between us and
the little window as we went in, blotting out all the light.

Milly gave a faint cry of surprise; and as the figure turned towards
us I recognised Mr. Egerton.

In all our visits among the poor we had never met him before.

'Caught again, young ladies!' he cried, laughing; 'you've neither of
you grown weatherwise yet, I see. Luckily you're under cover before
the rain has begun. I think we shall have it pretty heavy presently.
How surprised you look to see me here, Miss Darrell! Becky is a very
old friend of mine. I remember her ever since I can remember
anything. She was in my grandfather's service once upon a time.'