For some few moments the awed Florence could not collect her senses sufficiently to know more than that she was saved. When she began to recover herself a little, Mr. Aylwinne was hurrying her down the hill; nor did he pause until they stood beside the carriage in which Fred was already comfortably laid.
“Miss Heriton must not ride home—she is too wet to run the risk,” said Mr. Aylwinne authoritatively. “Take my horse with you, John, and I will walk with her across the fields.”
Without giving her time to raise any objection, he led her away, and the exceeding gravity of his face kept Florence mute and embarrassed, until he paused a moment to inquire if he was walking too fast.
“I owe you my life,” she faltered. “This is the second time you have saved me from a fearful death. How can I thank you?”
“Hush!” he replied, his lip quivering a little. “Never speak of it again! Only let me treasure among my few pleasant recollections the remembrance that I have been able to be of use to you.”
“You must also let me be grateful,” said Florence, chilled by something in his speech. “My life is of little worth to any one but myself, yet I shudder at the thoughts of losing it so fearfully and suddenly.”
Mr. Aylwinne walked on a few paces without speaking; then, bending toward her, he said softly:
“Poor little Florence! Has the past left such a dark cloud that you cannot shake it off? I hoped in the peaceful seclusion of Orwell Court, where every one who knows you loves you, your natural cheerfulness would return.”
She did not reply. She could not tell him that it was the inexplicable barrier between them which robbed her life of its sunshine.
“You must have a change,” Mr. Aylwinne went on. “You shall go to the seaside for a few weeks or longer. The boys will like it, and I shall give you all carte blanche to enjoy yourselves. Let it be a long holiday, and lessons set entirely aside till you all feel disposed to resume them. Mrs. Wilson shall go, too. I shall leave you to decide for yourselves where it shall be. Choose which part of the coast you prefer, and I will see about a house there directly.”