by Mark--at the foot. Sally Fairthorn insisted on performing her duty as
handmaiden, although, as Betsy Lavender again and again declared, her
room was better than her help. Sally's dark eyes fairly danced and
sparkled; her full, soft lips shone with a scarlet bloom; she laughed
with a wild, nervous joyousness, and yet rushed about haunted with a
fearful dread of suddenly bursting into tears. Her ways were so well
known, however, that a little extra impulsiveness excited no surprise.
Martha Deane was the only person who discovered what had taken place. As
the girls were putting on their hats and cloaks in the bedroom, Sally
drew her into the passage, kissed her a number of times with passionate
vehemence, and then darted off without saying a word.

Gilbert rode home through the splendid moonlight, in the small hours of
the morning, with a light heart, and Mark's money-belt buckled around
his waist.




CHAPTER XX.

GILBERT ON THE ROAD TO CHESTER.


Being now fully prepared to undertake his journey to Chester, Gilbert
remembered his promise to Alfred Barton. As the subject had not again
been mentioned between them,--probably owing to the excitement produced
by Sandy Flash's visit to Kennett Square, and its consequences,--he felt
bound to inform Barton of his speedy departure, and to renew his offer
of service.