been less dim and dark, Martin might have seen the
sudden alternations of red and white in Cherry's cheek as these
last words were spoken; but the twilight was drawing in apace, and
she kept her face down bent. But her heart was beating fast with
throbs of gladness as well as astonishment. The idea of being sent
away from home to the house of strangers was something fearful, but
the last clause had given her food for eager anticipation. Where
would she not go for news of Cuthbert, for whom she was now pining,
and pining all the more sadly because she might speak to none of
her anxiety and trouble?

Cuthbert had said he should be some months away; but she had looked
for him at Michaelmas, and now October was speeding along, and yet
there was no sign. Cherry had all a London girl's terror of the
forests and their perils. She remembered how he had spoken of
danger when last he had ridden through, and how nearly the terrible
old gipsy had fulfilled her vow of vengeance by wreaking it upon
his head. Might she not have found him and have slain him when he
lived hidden away in the forest? Might not his search for the lost
treasure have led him into many deadly perils? If living and free,
why had he not written or appeared to her by this time? Could it
be--oh, could it be--that he had forgotten her, and was keeping
purposely away? Almost sooner would she believe him dead; but
either fear filled her with dread and dismay.

And now a new throb of hope was in her heart. Once near the forest
and what might she not hear or see? Might she not even find him
herself? In her ignorance and inexperience anything seemed possible
if only she might escape from the trammels of city life, and from
the Argus eye of her aunt Susan.

"And am I to go and help my aunt Prudence, father?"

"Yes; I think it is but right and kind that thou shouldst do so.
Thou art willing thyself?--and wilt thou be docile and teachable?"

"I will strive in all things to please her."

"That is well. I shall trust thee to do credit to thy name."

"And when am I to go, father?"

"So soon as I can find escort for thee; and that methinks will not
be long, since the house stands directly on the road betwixt London
and Southampton. Thou hadst best look to thy clothes and such
things as thou mayest need there; for I would not lose a chance of
sending thee safely guarded. I shall to Abraham Dyson this very
evening, to ask what business is doing by road with Southampto