Chapter Seven.
How I found Trouble on my Return.
It surprised me to find how desolate I felt as I set out alone on the last stage of my journey. For when I started from London not two weeks ago I was blithe enough, and well content with my own company. But since Ludar came across my path, I was conscious that there was some man better and nobler in the world than Humphrey Dexter; and to be left now to my own sweet society seemed a poor exchange for the companionship I had had the last few days.
My first thought was to find my way to Master Udal’s at Kingston, so as to be near my friend and my enemy both at Richmond. But when I remembered I had lost the minister’s horse and failed to carry out his errand, it seemed to me wiser not to go near him at present, but push on to my master’s house and make a clean breast of all to him.
The dawn was breaking as I got clear of the park and found the road to Brentford Ferry. I cared not much if Sir William’s men came after me, nor was the prospect before me at my journey’s end enough to urge me forward with much eagerness. So I dawdled the morning away on the river’s bank, bathing and lying disconsolately in the shade, so that it was well-nigh mid-day before I reached the ferry.
Here the strangest adventure befel me. For as I sat watching the boat come over towards me, I perceived that it contained three persons, of whom one was a serving man, and two were women. What was it which made me tremble and catch my breath as my eyes lit on the upright, fearless figure of the maiden who sat in the stern? I knew her a hundred yards off. I stood irresolute, not knowing whether to fly or wait. If I waited and she knew me not, ’twould be more than I could bear. Yet, if I fled, I were a paltroon and a boor.
I waited, and the minutes seemed hours while the boat came over. There were four horses also in the boat, one laden with baggage, as for a journey. Were they then leaving London for some distant home where I should never see her more? Yet if so, why came they this way?
As they came to shore, I summoned up courage to advance. She knew me in a moment, despite my travel-stained garb and unkempt look; and held out her hand with a smile of mingled surprise and welcome.