“We part good friends,” said he. “Say that you are not offended.”
“Goodness me, no!” cried Arabella. “How can I possibly be offended?”
He would not leave go of her hand, but strove as best he could to explain himself. He was a little foggy, and Miss Lovejoyce thought he would never go.
“If he is often like this,” she murmured, “he must be rather a troublesome man.”
At length he made a movement towards the door, and after bidding a final farewell, betook himself to his chocolate-coloured chariot, and was driven off.
And so the festivities at Lady Marvlynn’s were brought to a close.
CHAPTER CXLIV.
A GLANCE AT STOKE FERRY FARM HARVEST HOME.
For some days after Peace’s return to the Evalina-road he was in a furious savage state. He did not tell anyone of his escapade at the residence of Lady Marvlynn, but those about him were at no loss to divine that something had occurred which not only roused his temper, but made him as sharp and snappish as a rabid dog.
Mrs. Thompson, who had been putting an enemy into her mouth, incurred his displeasure. With brutal ferocity he struck her mercilessly about the face and head. So violent was his attack that one of the unhappy woman’s eyes was closed, in addition to several other bruises, which she received at the hands of her brutal companion; the only wonder is that she consented to remain with him so long.