"Methinks Will Jones would prefer joining that hawking-party to riding on with me," remarked Jane, in a low voice.
Charles sighed, but made no other response.
At this moment Colonel Lane rode up to Mr. Petre, and said:
"Pray don't wait for us. We shall come on slowly, for we may chance on a heron in the park, and we are certain to find plenty of partridges in the corn-fields. We shall always be in your rear as a guard, and if we don't overtake you before, we shall find you at Packington Hall, where you will halt for a couple of hours."
Colonel Lane then rode up to Charles, and said, in a significant tone:
"Should anything happen on the road, Will, turn back and thou wilt find us."
Charles promised obedience, and doffing his cap to Mrs. Lane, who was exchanging adieux with Mr. Petre and his wife, rode on. Colonel Lane and his party did not follow them for some minutes, and by that time those in advance had nearly reached the gates of the park.
CHARLES AND JANE LANE SETTING OUT FROM BENTLEY HOUSE.