And when we reached the terrace, she said--
'You will please, Maud, remain for two--three minutes in the Dutch garden,
while I speak with Mr. Ruthyn in the study.'
This was spoken with a high head and an insufferable smile; and I more
haughtily, but quite gravely, turned without disputing, and descended the
steps to the quaint little garden she had indicated.
I was surprised and very glad to see my father there. I ran to him, and
began, 'Oh! papa!' and then stopped short, adding only, 'may I speak to you
now?'
He smiled kindly and gravely on me.
'Well, Maud, say your say.'
'Oh, sir, it is only this: I entreat that our walks, mine and Madame's may
be confined to the grounds.'
'And why?'
'I--I'm afraid to go with her.'
'_Afraid!_' he repeated, looking hard at me. 'Have you lately had a letter
from Lady Knollys?'
'No, papa, not for two months or more.'
There was a pause.
'And why _afraid_, Maud?'
'She brought me one day to Church Scarsdale; you know what a solitary place
it is, sir; and she frightened me so that I was afraid to go with her into
the churchyard. But she went and left me alone at the other side of the
stream, and an impudent man passing by stopped and spoke to me, and seemed
inclined to laugh at me, and altogether frightened me very much, and he did
not go till Madame happened to return.
Pages:
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154