As Isabel waited she heard the bang of the garden-door, but gave
it no thought, and a moment after Mistress Margaret asked her to fetch a
couple of wraps from the house for them both, as the air had a touch of
chill in it. She came down the lichened steps, crossed the lawn, and
passed into the unlighted hall. As she entered, the door opposite opened,
and for a moment she saw the silhouette of a man's figure against the
bright passage beyond. Her heart suddenly leapt, and stood still.
"Anthony!" she whispered, in a hush of suspense.
There was a vibration and a step beside her.
"Isabel!" said Hubert's voice. And then his arms closed round her for the
first time in her life. She struggled and panted a moment as she felt his
breath on her face; and he released her. She recoiled to the door, and
stood there silent and panting.
"Oh! Isabel!" he whispered; and again, "Isabel!"
She put out her hand and grasped the door-post behind her.
"Oh! Hubert! Why have you come?"
He came a step nearer and she could see the faint whiteness of his face
in the western glimmer.
"I cannot wait," he said, "I have been nearly beside myself. I have left
the north--and I cannot wait so long."
"Well?" she said; and he heard the note of entreaty and anxiety in her
voice.
"I have my plans," he answered; "I will tell you to-morrow. Where is my
aunt?"
Isabel heard a step on the gravel outside.
"She is coming," she said sharply. Hubert melted into the dark, and she
saw the opposite door open and let him out.
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