Presently, however, she reappeared at her cousin's bedside, and kissed her into wakefulness.
"Cis, you must rise," she cried; "'tis disgraceful. All the world is stirring. Even Ralph and Captain Protheroe are abroad, I have just seen them go down the garden together."
"Plague take you all for a set of fools," cried Cicely sleepily; "what should they want out at this hour o' the morning?"
"Why, Cis, 'tis heavenly."
With a deep sigh Cicely relented.
"Well, Bab, I will come. But not one step do I take without some breakfast, so bid Phoebe prepare it."
And with that Barbara must perforce be content. Yet she herself would wait for no breakfast, but snatching up her hat, ran into the garden to drink in the joys of the bright September morning.
Full speed she ran down the garden, and there came to a sudden halt, remembering with a pang of remorse that she had not yet greeted Butcher since her return. So, with intent to free him to join in her ramble, she turned into the copse, a short cut to the stables. But there she again came to a pause, puzzled at the sounds which reached her ears.
"Now, what in Heaven's name——"
Then she ran through the copse at fullest speed, for of a sudden she divined what was passing beyond, and with a loud cry darted into the open meadow, and ran towards the two men who were thus engaged in the settlement of their quarrel.