Vietnam or Thailand ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
Updated: May 31, 2025
"Hawbury," said he, solemnly, after about two minutes of portentous silence. "Well, old man?" "I've had an adventure." "An adventure! Well, don't be bashful. Breathe forth the tale in this confiding ear." "You see," said Dacres, "I started off this morning for a ride, and had no more intention of going to Vesuvius than to Jericho." "I should hope not.
Hawbury joined his guests in the breakfast-room, the strange contrast of character between them which he had noticed already was impressed on his mind more strongly than ever. One of them sat at the well-spread table, hungry and happy, ranging from dish to dish, and declaring that he had never made such a breakfast in his life.
"And pray, old man, what difference can that make, when I don't set myself apart for any thing of the kind?" Dacres sat in silence with a gloomy frown over his brow. "Besides, are you aware, my boy, of the solemn fact that Biggs's nieces are legion?" said Hawbury.
Once or twice after this he called upon them. On the first occasion only Lady Dalrymple was visible. On the second, none of the ladies were at home. He was baffled, but not discouraged. Returning from his call, he met Minnie and Mrs. Willoughby. Hawbury was with them, riding beside Minnie.
They then lifted the dead body into the coffin, and one of them put the lid in its place and secured it with half a dozen screws. After this Hawbury was once more left alone. He found this far more tolerable, for now he had no longer before his very eyes the abhorrent sight of the dead body. Hidden in its coffin, it no longer gave offense to his sensibilities.
As soon as he could speak he poured forth a torrent of exclamations with amazing volubility, in the midst of which his keen black eyes scrutinized very closely the faces of the ladies, and finally turned an interrogative glance upon Hawbury, who sat on his horse regarding the new-comer with a certain mild surprise not unmingled with superciliousness.
As the gentlemen rode on each side of the carriage her face was turned toward them. Hawbury rode back, so that he was beside Lady Dalrymple; but the Baron rode forward, on the other side, so as to bring himself as near to Minnie as possible. The Baron was exceedingly happy.
Suddenly the report of a shot sounded ahead. Then a scream. "Good Lord! Dacres, did you hear that?" cried Hawbury. "The Baron was right, after all." The driver here tried to stop his horses, but Hawbury would not let him. "Have you a pistol, Dacres?" "No."
The morning was clear and beautiful. The road wound among the hills. The party went in the order above mentioned. First, Girasole, on horseback. Next, and two miles at least behind, came the two carriages with the ladies and their maids. Third, and half a mile behind these, came the Baron and the Reverend Saul. Last of all, and half a mile behind the Baron, came Hawbury and Scone Dacres.
In the midst of the row I slipped away, and waited till the carriage drove off. Then I followed at a sufficient distance not to be observed, and saw where their house was." Dacres paused now, and lighting a fresh cigar, smoked away at it in silence, with long and solemn and regular puffs. Hawbury watched him for some time, with a look of dreamy curiosity and lazy interest.
Word Of The Day
Others Looking