Time? He drew out his watch, and a flush of shame and vexation crossed his countenance, as he saw that it was close upon the hour when he should be at the church.
“I must be mad!” he exclaimed; and then he started aside, as close behind came the sound of galloping hoofs from the direction of Lexville. “They are coming to seek the tardy bridegroom,” he said with a little laugh; “but she will forgive me.”
“Is this the way to the house—Mr Charles Vining’s?” cried a voice roughly.
“Yes; what do you want?” said Charley. “I am Mr Vining.”
“Letter, sir,” said the man hastily. “I was to ride for life or death; and I was afraid I should be too late.”
“Too late for what?” said Charley hastily.
“To catch you before you went to church, sir,” said the man. “I heard as I came through that there was a wedding.”
The next instant Charley had taken the letter, and was gazing at the direction; but he did not recognise the hand.
“Where do you come from?” he said. “Is it very important? I am engaged.”
And then he stopped; for he hardly knew what he was saying, and he dreaded to open the letter.