Mrs Hallam was ready to object, but she gave way, and Julia went for a ride with Crellock, passing Sir Gordon’s cottage, and then riding right away into the open country. The girl had developed into a splendid horsewoman, and at last, when she had forgotten her dislike to her companion in the excitement and pleasure of the exercise, and the horses were well breathed and walking up an ascent, Crellock, on the principle that he had no time to spare, tried to forward his position.
“I say, Miss Julia,” he said, taking off his broad hat, and fanning his face, as they rode on in the bright sunshine, “do you remember when you first came over?”
“Oh, yes.”
“And meeting me as I was carried out of the prison on the stretcher?”
Julia looked at him, her eyes dilating with horror as the whole scene came back.
“Don’t,” she said hoarsely, “it is too horrible to think of? Such cruelty is dreadful.”
“I don’t consider it too horrible to think of,” he said smiling. “I’m always looking back on that day and seeing it all, every bit. That poor wretch shrieking out with pain.”
“Mr Crellock!” cried Julia.
“Yes! me. Not hardly able to move himself, or bear his pain, and half mad with thirst.”
“Oh, pray, hush!”