"My dear Genevieve," said Mrs. Gantry, "the poor boy is really terrified."
"Take him to the car, if you wish," replied Genevieve. "He can leave it at the junction."
"Oh, thank you, thank you, Miss Genevieve!" stammered Ashton.
But Genevieve went out without looking at him. He followed with Mrs.
Gantry, keeping close beside her.
CHAPTER XXXV
THE FUTURE COUNTESS
As the fugitive and his protectress passed out through the verandah and turned away from the bridge toward the car, they were relieved to see that Blake was not yet in sight. Genevieve was hastening out the track to where her father and Dolores and Lord James stood beside the heavily loaded bridge-service train.
Before Genevieve could reach the others, Lord James and Dolores came toward her, and Dolores cried out the joyful news: "It's safe, Vievie!—the bridge is safe now! Mr. Blake will be ashore in a few minutes."
"You're sure, James?" asked Genevieve. "Quite safe?—and he—?"
"Yes, yes, give you my word! Perfectly safe now, he said, and he'll be coming soon. Er—Miss Dolores, there's your mother going back to the car."