Chapter Thirteen.
A Morning Ride.
One bright summer’s morning in the latter part of November, as Dr Fox was on his way to visit a patient living in Dutoits Pan, he turned his horses’ heads into the street where lived Miss Kate Darcy.
As he neared the house of his countrywoman, in whom he had recently come to take a deep interest, she appeared descending the steps of the verandah which surrounded the house. He spoke to his horses, and they increased their speed, reaching the curbstone as Miss Darcy opened the gate.
“Good-morning, Miss Darcy,” said he, “out for a walk? Would that I were also walking!”
Kate looked up brightly and smiled. “Good-morning,” said she, “would that I were also riding!”
Dr Fox’s eyes held a gleam of pleasure, and springing lightly from the carriage, said, “I shall admit of no retreat after that. I am going to Dutoits Pan, and you must go with me.”
