“Then go, dear Anthony,” I said. “But stay, there are two other matters--I do not like the notion,” I said, looking about me with an air of distaste, “of spending my wedding night in this house--could not we ride to your own house at Foxclough immediately after the ceremony? I should find that much to be preferred, cousin.” “Why,” said he, “’tis a ten mile ride--and the old place is but poorly furnished--but since you wish it, cousin, I will despatch one of my men with strict orders to have it prepared for our reception during the night.” “And your other man?” said I, “will you leave him here to protect me?--old Jasper is but a poor guard, and there is no one but Barbara and myself in the house.” “Agreed,” said he. “And now I must hasten--egad, the time will go but slow till I return with the parson, fair coz!” “Hasten!” said I, “you must fulfil your bargain if you would gain your prize. Nay,” I said, seeing that he was minded to embrace me, “lose no time, cousin--I shall be impatient for your return,” and I gave him a smile as he went out of the door that was intended to encourage him. I watched him across the kitchen and saw that he spoke to the two men; then he rode out of the courtyard and I returned to the parlour, calling Barbara to attend me there. And we had no sooner entered and closed the door than I swooned, the excitement of the scene I had just gone through proving too much for me to bear any longer. “This will not do,” I said when Barbara had brought me round, and I sat up feeling somewhat recovered. “There is still much that I must undertake.” I began to plot and plan afresh, telling old Barbara sufficient of what was going on to explain my anxiety to her. Truly I was by that time in a sad condition, for there was first the fear lest Dick should already be beyond my help, and second, the thought that my plans should miscarry ere they could be worked out as I wished. “’Tis a desperate game,” I said to myself, “Heaven help me to play it to the end and give me success!” And therewith I began to consider my next movement.