The attempt to move, however, brought back the feeling of the strain of

which she had complained, but she would not give way, and by the help

of Rachel's arm, proceeded across the grass to the carriage-drive,

where Alick was to meet them. It seemed very far and very hot, and her

alternately excited and shame-stricken manner, and sobbing breath,

much alarmed Rachel; but when Alick met them, all this seemed to pass

away--she controlled herself entirely, declaring herself unhurt, and

giving him cheerful messages and excuses for her hostess. Alick put the

reins into Rachel's hands, and, after watching her drive off, returned

to the party, and delivered the apologies of the ladies; then went in

search of his uncle. He did not, however, find him quickly, and then he

was so happy with his old friend among a cluster of merry young people,

that Alick would not say a word to hasten him home, especially as

Rachel would have driven Bessie to Timber End, so that it would only be

returning to an empty house. And such was Mr. Clare's sociableness and

disability of detaching himself from pleasant conversation, that the

uncle and nephew scarcely started for their walk across the park in time

for the seven o'clock service. Mr. Clare had never been so completely

belated, and, as Alick's assistance was necessary, he could only augur

from his wife's absence that she was still at Timber End with his

sister.




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