"I shall not be a hindrance," she said resolutely. "You don't know how much I can do and endure when there is need."
Mr. Trevelyan was not convinced. He thought the scheme an insane one, and he told her so again in plain terms. Delay was much to be deprecated, yet he did delay to urge her compliance.
When, however, in place of opposing her will to his, she laid pleading hands on his arm, and lifted beseeching eyes to say—
"Please, please, let me go! I cannot stay at home any longer! I think it will drive me wild!"
Then he gave in.
Perhaps Evelyn was the only woman living to whom he would have yielded in the face of his own judgment; but what man could ever withstand her?
"Well," he said, "it is not wise, but if you are bent upon it—Yes, you may come too, Jean. See that Mrs. Villiers is well wrapped up. The wind cuts like a knife. Would your husband allow this?" he asked of Evelyn.
"It is for him," she answered. "If it were for anybody else, I would ask his leave. Come, Jean—we must be quick."
Evelyn was all life and energy, as she donned a fur-lined cloak and beaver hat. Jean fastened her dress higher, insisted on the stoutest boots within reach, and wound a woollen cloud round throat and chest.
Jean's own substantial footgear, close-fitting ulster, and cloth cap, were well adapted for such an expedition.