Страница 41 из 70
"But it had real egret plumes," Maria
She struggled with her windblown hair, trying to bundle it back into the net that dangled from a few pins. As he watched her, Carlton's face assumed its most disagreeable expression, eyes narrowed, lips curled in a sneer.
"One would think, after the serious matters we have discussed, that you would have no time for egret plumes or hats. But women's minds are incapable of intellectual concentration; and yours is really one of the most -"
If he was attempting to provoke her, he succeeded; the quick temper Maria
"Temper, temper," he said. "You'll fall if you continue to bounce around that way."
Maria
"I can safely do so, I suppose, since we are in sight of the village. Remember my advice, Miss Carlton, and don't go dashing off after your egret plumes."
He lifted his hat, made her a genteel bow, and trotted off down the road.
Realizing that Stella was moving uneasily as she sensed her rider's agitation, Maria
There were few people abroad, despite the unseasonably mild weather. The cottage windows were tightly sealed. Presumably the hard-working peasants had no time to enjoy nature. The men would be at work, the women tending children and preparing the evening meal. The only signs of activity were at the Devenbrook Arms. Maria
The houses thi
Without any conscious intent on her part, Maria
He had to speak to me, Maria
"What a welcome and unlooked-for surprise," he exclaimed. "If I thought the Almighty concerned himself with such trivial matters, I would almost believe this meeting to be an answer to prayer."
Maria
"It is a pleasure to see you, Mr. St. John. I hope you are well?"
"Splendid, thank you. But you are wondering why I stopped you."
"Not at all," Maria
"I wished, first, to apologize for the unpleasantness that marred what was otherwise a delightful evening."
"You have no need to apologize. I am only sorry -"
"No, no, the fault was mine. I was too abrupt. Her Grace was quite right in accusing me of a lack of tolerance. I assure you, I have been berating myself ever since."
Indeed, Maria
"I hate to see you in distress," she said impulsively. "The Duchess is the kindest woman in the world; if you go to her and tell her you have changed your mind -"
"But I ca
"I am not sure -"
"Prayers for the dead – that is sheer popery!" His eyes glowed with a fiery light. "Her Grace may call it a memorial service, but she wants more, more than I can in conscience give. Yet I might be tempted to do something of the sort if I sincerely believed that she had abandoned her heathen practices. Oh, Miss Ransom, I must say this, hard as it is – I must warn you. Do not, I beg you, participate in those actions which can only endanger your immortal soul."
Before the burning intensity of his look Maria
"I owe her so much," she murmured.
"She took me in when I was friendless, poor -"
One more minute and she would have confessed the whole shameful story. But Mr. St. John did not give her the opportunity.
"You owe her gratitude, companionship, devotion. But your soul you owe to no man – or woman," he added punctiliously.
Maria
"I tell you these manifestations are of the Devil! Have you read that splendid pamphlet, Table-moving Tested and Proved to be the Result of Satanic Agency} Or Tableturning, the Devil's Modern Masterpiece?"
"No," Maria
"The table confessed," Mr. St. John said solemnly, "that it was moved by the spirit of a lost soul sent from Hell."
"Oh, dear."
"Will you read these books if I give them to you?"
"Yes; but -"
"Wait here. Wait only a moment."
Any other man would have looked foolish ru
"Here," he panted, pressing them into her hand. "Read and heed the blessed words in them. Read and pray, my dear Miss Ransom. And if you should ever require spiritual guidance, I am at your service – at any hour of the day or night."
A thrill ran down Maria
"Yes, you must." The young man stepped back. "I have kept you too long. But it was well done, if my words bear fruit. Remember."
"I will."
He looked as if he would have said more, but a burst of distant laughter from the i
Stella looked inquiringly at her new mistress. "May we go on now?" she seemed to say. Maria
Stella knew her way home, which was fortunate, because her rider was daydreaming.
They had passed into the drive before Maria
She found one of the grooms waiting by the front steps, sent, he said, by Mr. Carlton, who had promised she would be along directly. After an affectionate farewell to Stella, Maria