Page:Ethel Churchill 2.pdf/91

Rh damask, flowered with silver; and a long white veil was half folded round her. Norbourne had not courage to even think the surmise that, in spite of himself, would arise. At that moment he saw Mrs. Churchill, attended by a gentleman, both richly attired, come from the house. They advanced to the summer-house, and the cavalier approached Ethel, who still stood in her pensive and abstracted attitude, as if to lead her away. Slowly and reluctantly as it seemed, she let him take her hand; slowly and reluctantly, but she let him take it. The three returned to the house; and Norbourne could see that there were many guests assembled. "Let me know the worst!" exclaimed he, rushing with frantic violence from the spot. He hurried through the wood, and sprang upon his horse, intending to gallop to the village, and ask about the family. He had not far to go; for he had scarcely gained the road before he met a party of peasants, dressed in their Sunday attire. One question was enough: an elderly woman answered him; "Yes, please