Only just in time! Crystal pressed eagerly forward, scanning the occupants of all the carriages until she came to the last.
There were two passengers in this compartment; a young lady, with a good-natured freckled face, was speaking to a very tall man who was standing in the center of the carriage. “You must let me help you out,” Crystal heard her say in a pleasant countrified voice, “and wait with you until your friends find you;” and then came the answer in the deep tones Crystal knew so well.
“Thank you, you are very kind. My unfortunate infirmity gains new friends for me everywhere; so after all, you see, even blindness has its alleviations, Miss Merriman.”
“Oh, I will be sure to tell papa what you say; it will be such a comfort to him. Now, will you put your hand on my shoulder—it is a deep step—take care;” but as Raby tried to follow this instruction, a little gloved hand, that certainly did not belong to Miss Merriman, gently guided him and placed him in safety.
Miss Merriman nodded and smiled her thanks.
“There, you are all right now. What is the matter Mr. Ferrers?”
“I thought some one touched me,” he returned, with a puzzled look, “and you were on my other side, so I suppose it was some kind stranger.”
“Yes, a young lady,” as Crystal moved away rather suddenly. “Ah! there is a footman; he seems in search of some one. I will ask him if he be looking for you,” and Miss Merriman darted away.
Raby stood quietly waiting, but he little knew that the girl whom he had come to London to seek was standing a few yards from him, trying to see him through the tears that blinded her.
Many people turned to look after the tall, striking-looking man in clerical dress. The felt hat just shaded the pale, massively cut features. He looked older, Crystal thought, and a little sadder, but the mouth was as beautiful as ever.