Poor Rhys, it was a blow; but the thought that it was struck to escape Harry’s importunities softened it a great deal. Her absence would not be a long one, she assured him, so he let her go with a sigh and went back to his hiding-place in the hollow.
Isoline hurried along homewards. She was longing to see her uncle, and to hear what Lady Harriet had said, for she knew very well that it was not alone the wish to see Howlie which had brought her. She was anxious to get his consent to her departure as soon as possible and write to her Hereford friend, for the moment she should receive that lady’s invitation she would start. It was unfortunate that she could not get it for a few days to come, for Harry would be sure to make trouble before she could set off. Everything was most trying.
She walked into the Vicarage to find Mr. Lewis in his study.
“You have had a long walk,” he said, looking at her over the top of his book.
“Yes,” she replied, “I have been up near the foot of the mountain.”
“I called for you once or twice; Lady Harriet Fenton was here, and she asked to see you, but you had gone.”
“Oh, did you, uncle?”
“Poor child,” said the old man, taking off his glasses and laying down his book, “it has been very hard for you, I know.”
“Did she say anything about me, uncle?”