Rhoda Fleming -- Volume 2

in Summer, but now bearing cumbrous blossom- like burdens of the crisp snow-fall. Mrs. Lovell sat on horseback here, and alone, with her gauntleted hand at her waist,

mad. You see, I tr

hank you for your

you

ll last nig

tted her ho

t it. You understand that I can

ced at h

the course you have taken; but, let me distinctly assure you, that the gentleman you have chosen to attack in this extraordinary manner, has done

ght a man like me. I know it. I bear him no ill-will. I beli

our behaviour

ked up int

u won't be shocked

, you think so. I don't accuse you of madness, but, good heavens! what means have you been pursuing! Indee

got your help

ntly s

grace. The next moment

anticipated. I must leave you

ered he

ext I am in London. It will be soon. In return, sir, favour me with your word of ho

ith all my soul

nt. I ask no mor

ears. The colour of her riding-habit this day, harmonious with the snow-faced earth, as well as the gentle

ing and holding equal converse with so adorable a creature; and he thought of Rhoda as being harshly ea

n of a ship of war and the trees of the forest behind the masts. Either the fatigue of standing, or emotion, caused his head to throb, so that he heard nothing, not even men's laughter; but looking up suddenly, he beheld, a

n, though not knowing why. It was like a child's open look, and he was feeling childish, as if his brain had ceased to act. One of

dismounte

e horse," Rober

ut warily clutched his whip. All went by, riding into line some paces di

re. The lady's track now led him homeward, for he had no will of his own. Rounding the lane, he

n enough for that. I'd have stood by, as if you was a stranger. Gentlemen always give fair play before a woman. That's

lot now, mother," said R

in't angry with me f

ur own gam

t I heard say, as that lady and her folk passed, never heeding

won," said Robert

their chatter; gentlefolks laugh so when they talk; and they can afford to laugh, for they has the best of it. But I'm vexe

her," said Rob

on't. I see it lowers you, for there you are at your hat again. It is lowering, to be made a bet of. I've that spirit, that if you was w

which way t

t's friends. And, I do assure you, Robert, your hat's neat, if you'd only let it be comfortable: such fidgeting worries the brim. You're best in appearance-and I always said it-when stripped for boxing. Hats are gentlemen's things, and becomes them like as if a title to their heads; though you'd bear being Sir Robert, that you would; and for that matter, your hat is agreeable to behold, and not like the run of our Sunday hats; on

of the road, overlooking the Fairly stables. Robert left her and went to this

him; yet his chivalrous faith in women led him to believe, that as she knew Dahlia's history, she would certainly do her best for the poor girl, and keep her word to him. The throbbing of his head stopped all further thought. It had become viole

he's in bed. I'll go to bed, and you shall brew me some; and you'll let no one c

name of a Major Waring, of whom Mrs. Boulby had heard him speak tenderly as a gentleman not ashamed to be his friend; first reproachin

e dark!" he kept moani

road day. Was i

e" to the widow, when he mentioned Nic Sedgett's name, and sai

had sent her glorious boy bleeding to her. Nic Sedgett; she could understand, was the accomplice of one of the Fa

poultice, which was confirmation sufficient. By nightfall Robert was in the doctor's hands, unconscious of Mrs. Boulby's breach of agreement. His father and his aunt were informed of

ITOR'S B

terly rainclouds had

on Fortune's tight-ro

beneficence of the uns

itons, but live Britons

n of having ever dine

eas, but the effort was l

! They sound li

e's brought disg

you will

hero anywhere in Brit

right-down wido