Drake got up early the next morning; there were the horses to be
arranged for--he was going to leave two behind, for a time, at any rate,
in the hope that Dick and Miss Nell might use them; and he had to say
good-by--and tip--sundry persons. He performed the latter operation on
so liberal a scale that amazement sat upon the bosom of many a man and
woman in Shorne Mills for months afterward. Molly, indeed, was so
overcome by the sight and feel of the crisp ten-pound note, and her face
grew so red and her eyes so prominent, that Drake was seriously afraid
that she was going to have a fit.
Nell had got up a few minutes after him, and had prepared his farewell
breakfast; but she was not present, and Mrs. Lorton presided. It was not
until the arrival of the trap that she came in hurriedly. She had her
outdoor things on, and explained that she had had to go to the farm to
order a fowl; and she was full of some story the farmer's wife had told
her--a story which had made her laugh, and still seemed to cause her so
much amusement that Mrs. Lorton felt compelled to remind her that Mr.
Vernon was going.
"Ah, yes! I suppose it is time. The train starts at ten-forty-five. Have
you got some lunch for Mr. Vernon, Dick?"
She had packed a neat little packet of sandwiches with her own hands,
but put the question casually, as if she hoped that somebody had
considered their departing guest's comfort.
The girl's bright cheerfulness got on Drake's nerves. His farewell to
Mrs. Lorton lacked grace and finish, and he could only hold out his hand
to Nell, and say, rather grimly and curtly: "Good-by, Miss Nell."
Just that; no more.
Her hand rested in his for a moment. Did it tremble, or was it only
fancy on his part? She said, "Good-by, and I hope you will have a
pleasant journey," quite calmly.
Dick burst in with: "Now, Mr. Vernon, if you've kissed everybody, we'd better be starting,"
and Drake got into the trap.
Mrs. Lorton looked after the departing guest, and waved her hand with an
expression of languid sorrow; then turned to Nell with a sigh.
"I might have known that he would go; but still I must say that it is a
disappointment--a great disappointment. These trials are sent for our
good, and----I do wish you would not keep up that perpetual humming,
Eleanor. On an occasion like this it is especially trying. And how pale
you look!" she added, staring unsympathetically.