This
gentleman of title, masquerading as a farmer, who had led her on to
talk of herself, of her country and of her father, just to amuse
himself. The blood surged up to her temples as she thought how he
must have laughed at her when he was away from her: though always
when with her he showed her the gravest attention, and
consideration, and courtesy. It was with mingled feelings she walked
across the room, the book open in her hand, her eyes scanning some
of the familiar and well-remembered lines.
As she reached the foot of the stairs, Alaric came in quickly
through the windows.
"Hello! Margaret!" he cried cheerfully, though his heart was beating
nervously at the thought of what he was about to do--and across his
features there was a sickly pallor.
Peg turned and looked at him, at the same moment hiding the book
behind her back.
"What have you got there, all tucked away?" he ventured as the
opening question that was to lead to the all-important one.
Peg held it up for him to see: "The only thing I'm takin' away that
I didn't bring with me."
"A book, eh?"
"That's what it is--a book;" and she began to go upstairs.
"Taking it AWAY?" he called up to her.
"That's what I'm doin'," and she still went on up two more steps.
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