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 ‘Very well, then, I will—on one condition. Having brought you here to this out-of-the-way place, I feel myself responsible for your safe-conduct home, whatever you may yourself feel about it. As to your getting to Trantridge without assistance, it is quite impossible; for, to tell the truth, owing to this fog, which so disguises everything, I don’t quite know where we are myself. Now, if you will promise to wait beside the horse while I walk through the bushes till I come to some road or house, and ascertain exactly our whereabouts, I’ll deposit you here willingly. When I come back I’ll give you full directions, and if you insist upon walking you may; or you may ride—at your pleasure.’

She accepted these terms, and slid off on the near side, though not till he had stolen a hearty kiss. He sprang down on the other side.

‘I suppose I must hold the horse?’ said she.

‘Oh no; it’s not necessary’, replied Alec, patting the panting creature. ‘He’s had enough of it for to-night.’

He turned the horse’s head into the bushes, hitched him on to a bough, and pulling off a light