Page:Maud Howe - Atlanta in the South.djvu/27



was a relief to Philip Rondelet when the carriage stopped after a half hour's drive, before a small house of the meanest appearance. No matter what might lie before him, it could not be worse than that drive had been through the absolute darkness of the night with these two strange companions.

The young man had not spoken during the whole drive, and the woman, save for sudden bursts of passionate rage or grief, made no sound.

They were evidently expected at the hut, for the door was opened a few inches and a voice asked, "Has he come?"

"Yes, yes, they are both here," answered the stranger. "Quick! let us in, for God's sake; we have seen enough of this accursed night from outside." As he spoke, the young man pushed his way into the house, leaving the woman and Rondelet to follow him. They found themselves in a low bare room, where a fire burned smokily on the hearth.