“Yet, did we not agree yesterday when you spared Bosbury Cross that, spite of the war, there was one bond which still united us?”
“You would not object to my suit?” said Gabriel, eagerly.
“On the contrary, I should welcome it. The friendship betwixt the Harfords and the Unetts is a two generation friendship, and truth to tell, I have just learnt that my niece is in some danger from the attentions of Colonel Norton—a man in whom I have been much deceived.”
Gabriel lay musing for a minute, then asked abruptly—“How soon could I be fit to ride, sir?”
“It will be a matter of a month at least,” said the Vicar.
“Surely, I could ride as far as Hereford—to my father?”
“Nay, ’tis out of the question. Oh, we will hide you safely somehow. Hilary hath a ready wit and will doubtless hit on some device.”
“If I could but have speech with my father,” said Gabriel, restlessly.
“Well, I could myself ride over for him, and he could dress your wounds,” suggested the Vicar.
With an effort Gabriel rallied his failing powers.