r--and I wanted to
get it copied under the proper heading, but I daresay we can do that
another day. The only thing is, how are you to get there? You are not
equal to walking so far--'

'I was thinking, dear, that I might take a fly. I know there is the
expense, but ...'

'Yes; five or six shillings, at least. And where will you leave
the fly? At the lodge gate? The flyman would be sure to get into
conversation with the lodge-keeper or his wife. He'd tell them where
he came from, and--'

'Supposing you were to get a two-wheeled trap and drive me yourself;
that would be nicer still.'

'I'm so unlucky; someone would be sure to see me.'

The Major puffed at his pipe in silence. Then he said, 'If you were
to put on a thick veil, and we were to get out of the town by this end
and make our way through the lanes--it would be a long way round; but
one hardly meets anyone that way, and the only danger would be going.
We should return in the dusk. I don't care how late you make it; my
people won't be home till nine or ten o'clock at night, perhaps later
still. There will be dancing, and they are sure to stay late.'

Finally the matter was decided, and about four o'clock the Major went
to the livery stable to order the trap. Mrs Shepherd and Nellie joined
him soon after. Turning from the pony, whose nose he was stroking, he
said--

'I hope you have brought a thick shawl; it will be cold coming back in
the evening.'

'Yes, dear, here it is, and another for Nellie. What do you think of
this veil?'

'It will do very well. I do hope these stablemen won't talk; let's
go off at once.' The Major lifted in the child, tucked the rug about
them, and cried to the stableman to let go. He drove very nervously,
afraid at every moment lest the pony should bolt; and when the
animal's extreme docility assured him there was no such danger, he
looked round right and left, expecting at every moment some friend to
pounce down upon him. But the ways were empty, the breeze that came
across the fields was fresh and sweet, and they were all beginning to
enjoy themselves, when he suddenly espied a carriage following in his
wake. He whipped up the pony, and contrived to distance his imaginary
pursuer; and having succeeded, he praised his own driving, and at the
cross-roads he said: 'I dare not go any farther, but you can't miss
the lodge gate in that clump of trees--the first white gate you come
to. Don't ask any questions; it is ten to one you