“How lovely! But I must go.”
“May I see you after the play?”
“Yes.”
“Do not fail me, or the soldier will not transfer his affections to you!”
“If he dared!” And she shook her head defiantly as she tripped away.
“Little fool!” murmured Mauville, his lips curling scornfully. “The one is a pastime; the other”––he paused and caught his breath––“a passion!”
But he kept his appointment with Susan, escorting 133 her to the hotel, where he bade her good-night with a lingering pressure of the hand, and––ordered his equipage to the door!
“Hadn’t you better wait until morning?” asked the surprised landlord, when the young patroon announced his intention of taking an immediate departure. “There are the barn-burners and––traveling at night––”
“Have they turned footpads?” was the light reply. “Can’t I drive through my own lands? Let me see one of their thieving faces––” And he made a significant gesture. “Not ride at night! These Jacobins shall not prevent me.”
Barring the possible danger from the lease-holders who were undoubtedly ripe for any mischief, the journey did not promise such discomfiture as might have been expected, the coach being especially constructed for night traveling. On such occasions, between the seats the space was filled by a large cushion, adapted to the purpose, which in this way converted the interior of the vehicle into a sleeping-room of limited dimensions. With pillows to neutralize the jarring, the land baron stretched himself indolently upon his couch, and gazed through the window at the crystalline lights of the heavens, while thoughts of lease-holders and barn-burners faded into thin air.