n high hedges and shaded by the
spreading boughs of a great tree; its worn timbers were gnarled and
twisted with years and the rigours of succeeding winters and, in its
length of days, many were the lovers had sighed and kissed and plighted
troth beside it; and yet of them all surely never a one had waited with
more impatience or hearkened more eagerly for the quick, light tread of
approaching feet than Major John d'Arcy, for all his quiescent attitude
and apparent calm, as he stood in the light of the rising moon staring
gravely at the rickety fabric.

It was here he had held her to his breast as night melted into day, it
was here he had kissed her in the dawn--and to-night----The Major's big
hand touched the warped crossbar and rested there a little tremulously.
And standing thus he fell to thinking of love and the never-ceasing
wonder of it and to-night----!

"So dear John to-morrow at nine-thirty of the clock thou shalt meet me
at our stile--where we did watch the dawn and there all thy doubts and
fears shall be resolved and vanish utterly away for ever and ever, and
thou (as I do think) shalt learn to love me even a little better. So
come my John at nine-thirty of the clock but not an instant sooner and
fail not for my sake and thy sake and Love's sweet sake."

How well he remembered those oft-read lines, he knew every twirl and
flourish that her pen had made----

Soft with distance the church clock chimed the hour of nine. Half an
hour to wait! He was earlier than he had thought. The Major sighed
and leaning across the stile, stared away towards the rising moon.
Half an hour and then----?

"Come my John at nine-thirty of the clock but not an instant sooner."

And wherefore not? he wondered. Was it on his account or--? Here he
fell to frowning thought and gradually a vague unease came upon him;
standing erect he half turned, meaning to walk awhile and return at the
appointed time, then paused suddenly to listen.

The night was warm and so very still that sounds carried far and thus
he heard a throb upon the air which his trained senses instantly
recognised as the sound of horse-hoofs coming at a gallop. Wondering,
he moved forward until, standing in the shadow of the high hedge, he
could see the road stretching away white under the moon; and presently
upon the road were two horsemen, travellers these who rode close side
by side, despite their speed. Instinctively the Major stepped back
into th