Mr. Nash was going into town and she requested him to call at the doctor's office and ask him to come out and see her.
Nell heard, and it sent the blood to her cheek and made her heart beat quickly. She had not exchanged a word with Dr. Clendenin since that evening when she had read, or fancied she did, reproof in his eye and voice because of her flirtation with Lyttleton; and she both longed and dreaded to meet him.
The latter feeling increased as the time drew near when he might be expected; the merry jingle of sleigh bells, and the sight of a cutter with a gentleman in it wrapped in furs, dashing up to the gate, had almost sent her flying from the room, so strong was the impulse at that moment to avoid him.
But a second glance told her that was not Kenneth's noble figure which sprang from the vehicle and came hurrying up the path to the house.
She sat still and in another moment Lyttleton stood smiling and bowing before her, hat in hand.
"Excuse this intrusion, fair lady," he said, "I have felt like a Peri shut out of heaven since your withdrawal from the major's house, and I come as bearer of a letter which I must even hope may secure me a welcome."
He tendered it gracefully as he spoke.
"Ah, thank you!" she cried, her face flushing with pleasure, for letters were a rare thing in those days.
He bade her read it while he sat by the fire and chatted with Mrs. Nash, to whom, with his usual tact and skill, he soon managed to make himself extremely entertaining.
"Now, fair lady," he said, turning to Nell as she refolded her letter, "may I not claim a reward for the slight service I have had the happiness to render you?"