The Woodlanders

Winterborne was vexed at the incident; the more so that he knew Mr.

Melbury, in his adoration of Hintock House, would be the first to blame

him if it became known. But saying no more, he accompanied the load to

the end of the lane, and then turned back with an intention to call at

South's to learn the result of the experiment of the preceding evening.

It chanced that a few minutes before this time Grace Melbury, who now

rose soon enough to breakfast with her father, in spite of the

unwontedness of the hour, had been commissioned by him to make the same

inquiry at South's. Marty had been standing at the door when Miss

Melbury arrived. Almost before the latter had spoken, Mrs. Charmond's

carriages, released from the obstruction up the lane, came bowling

along, and the two girls turned to regard the spectacle.

Mrs. Charmond did not see them, but there was sufficient light for them

to discern her outline between the carriage windows. A noticeable

feature in her tournure was a magnificent mass of braided locks.

"How well she looks this morning!" said Grace, forgetting Mrs.

Charmond's slight in her generous admiration. "Her hair so becomes her

worn that way. I have never seen any more beautiful!"

"Nor have I, miss," said Marty, dryly, unconsciously stroking her crown.

Grace watched the carriages with lingering regret till they were out of

sight. She then learned of Marty that South was no better. Before she

had come away Winterborne approached the house, but seeing that one of

the two girls standing on the door-step was Grace, he suddenly turned

back again and sought the shelter of his own home till she should have

gone away.