will jump in and take the reins while I hold his head--"

Paul tossed in his bag and satchels, and then jumping in himself
gathered up the reins, while the girl stood at the animal's head.

Although Mr. Henley had hoped to find an attractive young woman
awaiting him at the station, he was surprised to discover that his
most sanguine expectations were exceeded. Here was no blue-stocking,
or agitator, or superannuated spinster, but a graceful young woman,
rather tall and slight, with blue eyes, set with dark lashes that
intensified their color. Her complexion, although slightly freckled,
charmed by its wholesomeness; and her hair, which shone both dark and
red, according as the light fell upon it, seemed almost too heavy for
the delicate head and neck that supported it. Although not strictly
beautiful, she had one of those intelligent and responsive faces that
are often more attractive than mere perfection of feature and form.

"It does seem funny that you are here at last!" she said, when seated
beside him with the reins in her hand.

"It does indeed!" answered Paul, with a suspicion that he was a
villain and ought to be kicked. For a moment he scowled and bit his
mustache, hesitating whether to make a clean breast of the deception
or continue in the role he had assumed. Alas, it was no longer of his
choosing. He had commenced with a lie, which he now found it
impossible to repudiate. No, he could not insult this girl by telling
her the truth. That surely was out of the question.

Miss Guir touched the horse with the whip, and the station was soon
out of sight. They ascended a long hill with gullies, bordered by