The Woodlanders - Page 306/314

By their united efforts, each standing on one of the springs of the

trap, they pressed them down sufficiently to insert across the jaws a

billet which they dragged from a faggot near at hand; and it was then

possible to extract the silk mouthful from the monster's bite, creased

and pierced with many holes, but not torn. Fitzpiers assisted her to

put it on again; and when her customary contours were thus restored

they walked on together, Grace taking his arm, till he effected an

improvement by clasping it round her waist.

The ice having been broken in this unexpected manner, she made no

further attempt at reserve. "I would ask you to come into the house,"

she said, "but my meetings with you have been kept secret from my

father, and I should like to prepare him."

"Never mind, dearest. I could not very well have accepted the

invitation. I shall never live here again--as much for your sake as

for mine. I have news to tell you on this very point, but my alarm had

put it out of my head. I have bought a practice, or rather a

partnership, in the Midlands, and I must go there in a week to take up

permanent residence. My poor old great-aunt died about eight months

ago, and left me enough to do this. I have taken a little furnished

house for a time, till we can get one of our own."

He described the place, and the surroundings, and the view from the

windows, and Grace became much interested. "But why are you not there

now?" she said.

"Because I cannot tear myself away from here till I have your promise.

Now, darling, you will accompany me there--will you not? To-night has

settled that."

Grace's tremblings had gone off, and she did not say nay. They went on

together.

The adventure, and the emotions consequent upon the reunion which that

event had forced on, combined to render Grace oblivious of the

direction of their desultory ramble, till she noticed they were in an

encircled glade in the densest part of the wood, whereon the moon, that

had imperceptibly added its rays to the scene, shone almost vertically.

It was an exceptionally soft, balmy evening for the time of year, which

was just that transient period in the May month when beech-trees have

suddenly unfolded large limp young leaves of the softness of

butterflies' wings. Boughs bearing such leaves hung low around, and

completely enclosed them, so that it was as if they were in a great

green vase, which had moss for its bottom and leaf sides.