Page:Ethel Churchill 2.pdf/86

84 requisites for a traveller—admittance, supper, and a bed. Completely wearied out, he retired to rest, and did not waken the following morning till later than he intended. Remembering Ethel's habit of walking before breakfast in the little plantation adjoining the house, he hurried his toilet, in a hope, which he scarcely acknowledged to himself, of meeting her there. He amazed the pretty hostess by refusing breakfast; however, flinging down double the amount of her already unconscionable bill, consoled her for his want of appetite. This done, he sprung on his horse, which he urged to the utmost speed till he came to the once well-known gate, which was the side entrance to the plantation. There he fastened his horse, and, flinging his cloak over the panting creature, entered the little wood. It was just the beginning of spring; only a few of the trees had as yet ventured to put forth the scarce unfolded leaves; there was the promise of green, rather than the green itself, and that soft yellow, which has the bloom of a flower before the flowers themselves.