Page:The Black Moth.pdf/331

 Salter arrived not half-an-hour later, and his feelings when told that his beloved master had ridden off in search of a fight, may be more easily imagined than described. He was all for setting out in his wake, but her ladyship strongly vetoed the plan, declaring that Sir Miles would be rescue enough, and she was not going to be left entirely without protectors. Jim was far too respectful to point out that there were five able-bodied men, not counting himself, in the house, but as his master had left no instructions for him, he capitulated.

He proved nought but a Job’s comforter next day, for when my lady pessimistically premised that both Carstares and her husband were undoubtedly hurt, he did not, as she expected he would, strive to reassure her, but gave a gloomy assent. Whereupon she cast an indignant glance in his direction, and turned her back.

At four in the afternoon they were both in the hall, anxiously watching the drive.

“To be sure, ’tis monstrous late!” remarked Molly, with wide, apprehensive eyes.

“Yes, my lady.”

“If—if nought were amiss, they should have been back by now, surely?”

“Yes indeed, my lady.”

Lady O’Hara stamped her foot.

“Don’t say yes! ” she cried.

Jim was startled.

“I beg pardon, m’lady?”

“You are not to say yes! After all, they may have gone a long way—they—er—they may be tired! Jenny may have gone lame—anything—anything may have happened!”

“Yes, m’ I mean certainly, your ladyship!” hastily amended Jim.

“In fact, I should not be surprised an they were not at all hurt!”