"He had a second cousin, it seems, a Mr. Wildegrave, who is residing in his father's parish; Anthony has found a temporary home with him."
Why did Juliet turn so pale? Did the recollection of the fair amiable girl she had met and loved at —— trouble her? She spoke no more during their long ride. On their way home, they entered a dark avenue, that led to the Lodge, and passed through Norgood Park.
"I hate this road," said Godfrey. "I have never travelled it since the old place passed into the hands of strangers."
"It was thoughtless in me to propose this path, Mr. Godfrey; let us return by the road."
She checked her horse as she spoke, when her attention was aroused by a female figure, seated in a dejected attitude beneath an old oak tree. Her hair hung wildly about her shoulders; and her head was buried between her knees.
Godfrey instantly recognised the person; and looking up at the heavy dark clouds, which had for some time been encroaching upon the rich saffron hues in the west, he said hastily turning his horse, "You are right, Miss Whitmore we are going to have a storm, and you have chosen a dangerous path. Let us get from under these trees as fast as we can."
"Stay a few minutes. I want to speak to this poor woman."
"It is only some gipsy girl who has been sleeping under the tree. See, it begins to rain. Do you not hear the large drops pattering upon the leaves? If you do not put your horse on, you will get very wet."
"I am not afraid of a few drops of rain. The person seems in distress—I must speak to her."
At this moment the girl slowly rose from her seat, and revealed the faded, attenuated features of Mary Mathews.