accompany Edith; but his menacing looks and words, and these
preparations for a struggle, were too much.

"Edith, my child, my dearest, do not! do not! I can not go; I will not.
See these men; they will kill one another. John, come away. Driver, go
back to the box. Come away at once. Do you hear, John?"

John did hear, and after some hesitation concluded to obey. He stepped
back from the gate, and stood awaiting the progress of events. The
driver also stood, waiting further orders.

"Edith dearest," said Miss Plympton, "nothing would induce me to go
through those gates. You must not go."

"I'm sure," said Edith, "I shall be very sorry if you will not come;
but, for my own part, I am quite resolved to go. Don't be afraid. Come."

Miss Plympton shuddered and shook her head.

"Well," said Edith, "perhaps it will be as well for you to wait, since
you are so agitated; and if you really will not come, you can drive back
to the village. At any rate, I can see you to-morrow, and I will drive
down for you the first thing."

Miss Plympton looked mournfully at Edith.

"And you, Richards," said Edith, looking at her maid, "I suppose it is
no use for me to ask you. I see how it is. Well, never mind. I dare say
she needs you more than I do; and to-morrow will make all right. I see
it only distresses you for me to press you so I will say no more.