“An hour behind time, Anna,” he said.
“The President detained me in conversation, to the envy of all his other lady guests,” laughed Anna.
“And you will forgive her delay,” said Alexander, “in consequence of her conquest of our President. I consider it a great success.”
CHAPTER XVIII.
A DARK RIDE.
As yet ’tis midnight deep, the weary clouds,
Slow meeting, mingle into solemn gloom,
The while the drowsy world lies lost in sleep.—Thomson.
As soon as Alexander Lyon had bid good night to his uncle and cousin, he hurried to the livery stable where he had left his horse, doubting that it would be open at so late an hour.
But it was not yet closed for the night; so upon Mr. Lyon’s requirement one of the hostlers led out the horse, already saddled and bridled for the road.
“A dark night, sir,” said this official, as he put the reins in the hands of the rider.