"She is frightened, of course," said Sybil; "who could help it? I am sure she will not ride again this season."
"I think she is cured of such fears," returned Laurence.
"Oh yes," answered Margaret, hastily. "But let us ride home; it is getting late, and uncle will want to see Ralph before going to bed."
The three rode through the gates, which Miss Chase had left open, while that lady followed at a little distance.
"We are leaving her all alone," said Margaret, in a low voice, to Laurence.
"That is true; and it scarcely looks civil," he replied. "Ride on to the house, Margaret, with Hinchley, and I will walk with her."
"Very well," Margaret said, unable longer to conceal her nervousness, and not sorry that she could have an opportunity to recover herself before again enduring her betrothed husband's somewhat impatient scrutiny.
The pair rode on; Mr. Laurence dismounted from his horse, and stood in the avenue as Miss Chase approached.
"You look in this moonlight pale and melancholy as a knight-errant," she said, playfully.
"I am waiting for you," he replied.