"They say it is a quiet, restful place," he said. "One reaches it by
stage over-land, I believe." She was strangely silent during the remainder
of the walk. Somehow he felt amazingly sorry for her. "I hope I may see
something of you while we are there," he said at last.
"I imagine I couldn't help it if I were to try," she said. They were in
the path of the light from the window, and he saw the strange little smile
on her face. "I think I'll lie down again. Won't you find a place to
sleep, Mr. Rollins? I can't bear the thought of depriving you--"
"I am the slave of your darkness," he said gravely.
She left him, and he lit another cigar. Daylight came at last to break up
his thoughts, and then his tired eyes began to look for the man and buggy.
Fatigued and weary, he sat upon his steamer trunk, his back to the wall.
There he fell sound asleep.
He was awakened by some one shaking him gently by the shoulder.
"You are a very sound sleeper, Mr. Rollins," said a familiar voice, but
it was gay and sprightly. He looked up blankly, and it was a full
half-minute before he could get his bearings.
A young woman with a purple parasol stood beside him, laughing merrily,
and at her side was a tall, dark, very good-looking young man.
"I couldn't go without saying good-by to you, Mr. Rollins, and thanking
you again for the care you have taken of me," she was saying. He finally
saw the little gloved hand that was extended toward him. Her companion was
carrying her jacket and the little travelling-bag.
"Oh--er--good-by, and don't mention it," he stammered, struggling to his
feet. "Was I asleep?"
"Asleep at your post, sir. Mr. Dudley--oh, this is Mr. Dudley, Mr.
Rollins--came in ten minutes ago and found--us--both--asleep."
"Isn't it lucky Mr. Dudley happens to be an honest man?" said Rossiter,
in a manner so strange that the smile froze on the face of the other man.
The unhappy barrister caught the quick glance that passed between them,
and was vaguely convinced that they had been discussing him while he
slept. Something whispered to him that they had guessed the nature of his
business.
"My telegram was not delivered to him until this morning. Wasn't it
provoking?" she was saying.
"What time is it now?" asked Rossiter.
"Half-past seven," responded Dudley rather sharply. His black eyes were
fastened steadily upon those of the questioner. "Mr. Van Haltford's man
came in and got Miss Dering's telegram yesterday, but it was not delivered
to me until a neighbor came to the house with both the message and
messenger in charge. Joseph had drunk all the whisky in Fossingford.
"Then there's no chance for me to get a drink, I suppose," said Rossiter
with a wry smile.
"Do you need one?" asked Miss Dering saucily.
"I have a headache."
"A pick-me-up is what you want," said Dudley coldly.
"My dear sir, I haven't been drunk," remonstrated Rossiter sharply. His
hearers laughed and he turned red but cold with resentment.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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