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Updated: May 10, 2025
In accordance with this new state of her feelings, she resolved to alter her behaviour, in order to dissipate as quickly as possible the erroneous impression of the family; whilst, at the same time, she privately made arrangements for cutting short her visit, and anticipating the period of her removal to the house of Mrs Gaskoin, betwixt whom and the Dunbars the interval of her friends' absence in Russia was to be divided.
Half an hour later Philip heard a pounding on the door of his room. He was unable to open it, but he called out, loud enough for the outsider to hear: "Who is it?" "It's me Zeke," was the answer that came back. "Did you tell the Dunbars where I was?" asked Philip eagerly. "Yes."
Mrs Gaskoin's was a different sort of house to the Dunbars'. It was not gay, for the place was retired, and Mrs Gaskoin being in ill health, they saw little company; but they were young, cheerful, and accomplished people, and in their society Frances soon forgot the vexations she had left behind her.
But then such rum things did happen in this amusing world that it was never worth while worrying. Stroking the cat and sipping his tea, Mr. Walkingshaw conversed pleasantly with his sister. Jean and Frank had gone into the country, and the two sat alone together in the drawing-room. "Brown?" said Miss Walkingshaw. "I never knew the Dunbars had a relative of that name. Who will he be?"
He knew that the Dunbars would manifest great indignation at the arbitrary step which he had adopted, and he did not like to face their displeasure, especially as his apology would perforce be a lame one. "I don't think I am called upon to do you a favor, seeing how you've acted, Philip," he said hesitatingly. "Besides, it would be out of my way, and I ought to get home as soon as possible."
But when Christopher came back with an infected arm, which might give him trouble, it was not the time to talk of futures. He was invited to spend July at the Dunbars' country home in Connecticut, and Ridgeley brought him out at the week-end. The Connecticut estate consisted of a rambling stone house, an old-fashioned garden, and beyond the garden a grove of white birches.
The only thing that troubled him was the doubt and anxiety of his good friends, the Dunbars, when he did not return to the house. "Squire Pope," he said, turning to that official, "will you do me a favor?" "Ahem! Explain yourself," said the squire suspiciously. "Will you call at Mr. Dunbar's and tell them where I am." Now, for obvious reasons, the squire did not like to do this.
Alftruda was beautiful, too, exceedingly, and precocious, and, it may be, vain enough to repay his attentions in good earnest. Moreover she was English as he was, and royal likewise; a relation of Elfgiva, daughter of Ethelred, once King of England, who, as all know, married Uchtred, prince of Northumberland and grandfather of Gospatrick, Earl of Northumberland, and ancestor of all the Dunbars.
They crossed the green, rolling hills; they passed the foothills, and climbing steadily they came onto a broad, high plateau it was a natural kingdom, this ranch of the Dunbars. The fence around it was the continuous range of mountains skirting the plateau on all sides, and in every direction up to those blue summits as far as the eye carried, stretched the land which owned Hal Dunbar as master.
"I will guarantee him," said Barry. "Let me have your answer to-morrow," said Duff as he bade them good-night. The Dunbars discussed the matter far into the night. It was clearly impossible for Mr. Dunbar to leave his work, and the only question was whether or not Barry should make one of the party.
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