n on the opposite side of the glade.
The lady was in blue and white; the gentleman would hardly have been
recognised by Rachel but for the start and thrill of her husband's arm,
and the flush of colour on his usually pale cheek, but, ere he could
speak or move, the lady sprang up, and came hastening towards them
diagonally across the grass. Rachel saw the danger, and made a warning
outcry, "Bessie, the hoop!" but it was too late, she had tripped over
it, and fell prone, and entirely unable to save herself. She was
much nearer to them than to her late companion, and was struggling to
disengage herself when Alick reached her, lifted her up, and placed her
on her feet, supporting her as she clung fast to him, while he asked if
she were hurt.

"No, no," she cried. "Don't let him come; don't let him call any one,
don't," she reiterated, as Mr. Carleton hovered near, evidently much
terrified, but not venturing to approach.

Alick helped her to another garden chair that stood near. She had been
entangled in her dress, which had been much torn by her attempt to rise,
and hung in a festoon, impeding her, and she moved with difficulty,
breathing heavily when she was first seated.

"I don't know if I have not twisted myself a little," she said, in
answer to their anxious questions, "but it will go off. Rachel, how
scared you look!"

"Don't laugh," exclaimed Rachel, in dread of hysterics, and she plunged
her hand into Alick's pocket for a scent-bottle, which he had put there
by way of precaution for her, and, while applying it, said, in her full,
sedate voice, keeping it as steady as she could, "Shall I drive you
home? Alick can walk home with his uncle when he is ready."

"Home! Thank you, Rachel, pray do. Not that I am hurt," she added in her
natural voice, "only these rags would tell tales, and there would be an
intolerable fuss."

"Then I will bring the carriage round to the road there," said Alick. "I
told Joe to be in readiness, and you need not go back to the house."

"Thank you. But, oh, send him away!" she added, with a gasping shudder.
"Only don't let him tell any one. Tell him I desire he will not."

After a few words with Mr. Carleton, Alick strode off to the stables,
and Rachel asked anxiously after the twist.

"I don't feel it; I don't believe in it. My dear, your strong mind is
all humbug, or you would not look so frightened," and again she was
on the verge of hysterical laughing; "it is only that I can't s