"No, miss, he's just gone to town."

"Just gone! When do you mean?" cried Jean, forgetting the relief she

felt in hearing of his absence in surprise at his late departure.

"He went half an hour ago, in the last train, miss."

"I thought he was going early this morning; he told me he should be back

this evening."

"I believe he did mean to go, but was delayed by company. The steward

came up on business, and a load of gentlemen called, so Sir John could

not get off till night, when he wasn't fit to go, being worn out, and

far from well."

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"Do you think he will be ill? Did he look so?" And as Jean spoke, a

thrill of fear passed over her, lest death should rob her of her prize.

"Well, you know, miss, hurry of any kind is bad for elderly gentlemen

inclined to apoplexy. Sir John was in a worry all day, and not like

himself. I wanted him to take his man, but he wouldn't; and drove off

looking flushed and excited like. I'm anxious about him, for I know

something is amiss to hurry him off in this way."

"When will he be back, Ralph?"

"Tomorrow noon, if possible; at night, certainly, he bid me tell anyone

that called."

"Did he leave no note or message for Miss Coventry, or someone of

the family?"

"No, miss, nothing."

"Thank you." And Jean walked back to spend a restless night and rise to

meet renewed suspense.

The morning seemed endless, but noon came at last, and under the

pretense of seeking coolness in the grotto, Jean stole away to a slope

whence the gate to the Hall park was visible. For two long hours she

watched, and no one came. She was just turning away when a horseman

dashed through the gate and came galloping toward the Hall. Heedless of

everything but the uncontrollable longing to gain some tidings, she ran

to meet him, feeling assured that he brought ill news. It was a young

man from the station, and as he caught sight of her, he drew bridle,

looking agitated and undecided.

"Has anything happened?" she cried breathlessly.

"A dreadful accident on the railroad, just the other side of

Croydon. News telegraphed half an hour ago," answered the man,

wiping his hot face.

"The noon train? Was Sir John in it? Quick, tell me all!"

"It was that train, miss, but whether Sir John was in it or not, we

don't know; for the guard is killed, and everything is in such confusion

that nothing can be certain. They are at work getting out the dead and

wounded. We heard that Sir John was expected, and I came up to tell Mr.

Coventry, thinking he would wish to go down. A train leaves in fifteen

minutes; where shall I find him? I was told he was at the Hall."




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