By the time the countess had drunk the coffee and tasted the rice

waffles and broiled partridge, the carriage was announced.

Mrs. Brudenell met her in the lower hall.

"Ah, Berenice, my dear, I am glad to see that you are going for an

airing at last. The morning is beautiful after the storm," she said.

"Yes, mamma," replied the countess, rather avoiding the interview.

"Which way will you drive, my dear?"

"I think through the valley; it is sheltered from the wind there.

Good-morning!"

And the lady entered the carriage and gave her order.

The carriage road through the valley was necessarily much longer and

more circuitous than the footpath with which we are so familiar. The

footpath, we know, went straight down the steep precipice of Brudenell

hill, across the bottom, and then straight up the equally steep ascent

of Hut hill. Of course this route was impracticable for any wheeled

vehicle. The carriage therefore turned off to the left into a road that

wound gradually down the hillside and as gradually ascended the opposite

heights. The carriage drew up at a short distance from the hut, and the

countess alighted and walked to the door. We have seen what a surprise

her arrival caused, and now we must return to the interview between the

wife of Herman and the sister of Nora.




readonlinefreebook.com Copyright 2016 - 2024