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.