“And, what would you do with a single horse, sir?” the lady demanded, quickly.
“I would look to the girths, make sure all was secure, then lift you to its back and start you homeward, my lady.”
“But, dear Percy, do you really feel so uneasy about the weather?”
“I do, truly, dear lady. Look for yourself. If there is not a goodly store of electricity in those clouds, then I am much mistaken.”
“Well, we must hurry. You will let me take your hand.”
He put forth his hand, took hers in a warm, loving grasp, and they set forward; but time had sped beyond the lady’s calculations, or beyond her belief, for she had had no calculation about it.
By the time they had gained half the distance down the rugged slope cool gusts of wind struck their cheeks; the clouds had become so dense and so completely covered the firmament as to bring night on prematurely.
And that was not the worst. Pretty soon a vivid stream of fire shot athwart the dark vault, and a crash of thunder followed almost immediately.
“Courage, courage!” said Percy. “The old chapel is close at hand. We shall find good shelter there.”
“Oh! Just think, dear lady,” said the maid, who had drawn nearer the strong man since the lightning bolt. “We haven’t touched the luncheon I have in the basket.”