Nell of Shorne Mills

Drake got up early the next morning; there were the horses to be

arranged for--he was going to leave two behind, for a time, at any rate,

in the hope that Dick and Miss Nell might use them; and he had to say

good-by--and tip--sundry persons. He performed the latter operation on

so liberal a scale that amazement sat upon the bosom of many a man and

woman in Shorne Mills for months afterward. Molly, indeed, was so

overcome by the sight and feel of the crisp ten-pound note, and her face

grew so red and her eyes so prominent, that Drake was seriously afraid

that she was going to have a fit.

Nell had got up a few minutes after him, and had prepared his farewell

breakfast; but she was not present, and Mrs. Lorton presided. It was not

until the arrival of the trap that she came in hurriedly. She had her

outdoor things on, and explained that she had had to go to the farm to

order a fowl; and she was full of some story the farmer's wife had told

her--a story which had made her laugh, and still seemed to cause her so

much amusement that Mrs. Lorton felt compelled to remind her that Mr.

Vernon was going.

"Ah, yes! I suppose it is time. The train starts at ten-forty-five. Have

you got some lunch for Mr. Vernon, Dick?"

She had packed a neat little packet of sandwiches with her own hands,

but put the question casually, as if she hoped that somebody had

considered their departing guest's comfort.

The girl's bright cheerfulness got on Drake's nerves. His farewell to

Mrs. Lorton lacked grace and finish, and he could only hold out his hand

to Nell, and say, rather grimly and curtly: "Good-by, Miss Nell."

Just that; no more.

Her hand rested in his for a moment. Did it tremble, or was it only

fancy on his part? She said, "Good-by, and I hope you will have a

pleasant journey," quite calmly.

Dick burst in with: "Now, Mr. Vernon, if you've kissed everybody, we'd better be starting,"

and Drake got into the trap.

Mrs. Lorton looked after the departing guest, and waved her hand with an

expression of languid sorrow; then turned to Nell with a sigh.

"I might have known that he would go; but still I must say that it is a

disappointment--a great disappointment. These trials are sent for our

good, and----I do wish you would not keep up that perpetual humming,

Eleanor. On an occasion like this it is especially trying. And how pale

you look!" she added, staring unsympathetically.