Immediately after dinner, black Debby was ordered to dress Miss Pet for her journey, while the judge went to his own apartment to make himself as irresistible as possible. In half an hour both were ready. Pet was handed into the carriage by her father, and waved a smiling adieu to Ranty. The judge took his seat beside her, and the two superb carriage-horses, flashing with silver-mounted harness, started off at a rapid pace.
As they came within sight of the cottage, Pet who had been lying back silently among the cushions, started up, exclaiming:
“Stop at the cottage, John; I’m going in there for a moment:”
The coachman drew up, and Pet sprung out.
“I will give you just five minutes to make your adieux,” said the judge, drawing out his watch; “if you are not back in that time, I shall go after you.”
Pet’s eyes again defiantly flashed, but without deigning to reply, she ran into the cottage.
Erminie met her at the door, and looked her surprise at seeing the stately equipage of Judge Lawless stop at the cottage, and Miss Lawless herself all arrayed for a journey.
“How is Ray?” was Pet’s first question.
“Just as he was this morning. Where are you going, Pet?”
“He is no worse?”