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There were speedily succeeded by a pelting storm of rain and hail, and we felt that we were caught, and must be drenched to the skin before we could get back to Thornleigh. The weather had been temptingly fine when we left home, and we had neither umbrellas nor any other kind of protection against the rain. 'We had better scamper off as fast as we can, said Milly. 'But we can't run four miles.
I have never thought it possible that I could care for any one but him. Julian Stormont's face darkened a little, and he sat silent for some minutes, folding and refolding the newspaper in a nervous way. 'You are not very complimentary to your admirers at Thornleigh, he said at last, with a short hoarse laugh. 'Who is there at Thornleigh? Have I really any admirers there?
Himself, he patronized the glittering Pompeian Barber Shop in the Hotel Thornleigh, and every time he passed the Reeves shop ten times a day, a hundred times he felt untrue to his own village. Now, as one of the squirearchy, greeted with honorable salutations by the villagers, he marched into his office, and peace and dignity were upon him, and the morning's dissonances all unheard.
The dreaded day came at last dreaded I know by both of us; and I said 'good-bye' to my darling so quietly, that I am sure none could have guessed the grief I felt in this parting. Mrs. Darrell was very kind and gracious on this occasion, begging that I would come back to Thornleigh at Christmas if they should happen to spend their Christmas there.
No floor in Thornleigh village was raddled so carefully, no fire-irons glittered so bravely; the very walls seemed to shine; and as for the pots and pans they positively winked at one another in the ruddy glow. Ted rested a sunburnt hand on each of his knees, drew a long breath, and remarked fervently "Ye mun be wonderful house-proud, Miss Heptonstall."
This she gave readily, in spite of some objections suggested by Miss Susan, and I had nothing more to do than to pack my few dresses my two coloured muslins, a white dress for festive occasions, a black- silk dress which was preëminently my 'best, and some print morning- dresses wondering as I packed them how these things would pass current among the grandeurs of Thornleigh.
But O, my dear, if you could have seen us together a year ago, you would know how much I have lost. I had been at Thornleigh a little more than a week, when Mr. Darrell one morning proposed a drive to a place called Cumber Priory, which was one of the show-houses of the neighbourhood.
The appointed time was advanced from April to February. He was to take his young wife abroad, and to show her all those scenes in which his wandering life had been spent; and then they were to return to Cumber, and Milly was to begin her career as the wife of a country squire. Julian Stormont came to Thornleigh, and heard of the engagement from Mrs. Darrell.
Darrell asked in rather a wounded tone. 'I thought you would be pleased to see the old place again. 'Thornleigh Manor is not a passion of mine, she answered. 'I hope you will take a house in town at the beginning of next year. She passed on into the hall, after having honoured me with the coldest possible shake-hands.
He thought of taking her to the "ladies' annex" of the Athletic Club, but that was too dangerous. He would have to introduce her and, oh, people might misunderstand and He compromised on the Thornleigh.
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