bridle of one, Manners helped Dorothy to mount into
the saddle, and then lightly springing into another, he set spurs to
his steed and away they started.

The most sequestered roads were chosen, for they wished to see as few
people as possible, and to be seen by none. But Manners did not trust
to this alone. He felt the preciousness of his charge, and had brought
horses and men with him, whom he sent off in couples by different
roads, to lead their pursuers on a false scent if pursuit were made.

All through the night they rode. Scenes which charmed them before
they now passed by unnoticed, and their grandeur was ignored. Masson's
heights, up which they had often wandered together, instilled no
pleasant thoughts within their breasts now; their one object, which
engrossed all their attention, was to hasten forward to gain a haven
of safety.

As the grey light of the morning broke upon them, and the rising sun
began to make its appearance, they crossed the border, and passed out
of the county of Derby into the neighbouring shire of Leicester. Still
they pushed on, for there was no telling how soon their pursuers might
be upon them; nor did they draw rein until well into the morning,
when, though Dorothy, animated for the time being with a wonderful
amount of endurance, gave her voice for hastening forward, Manners
deemed it advisable, for her sake, to stay.

They stopped their steeds at a wayside inn, but here so unusual a
sight as two travellers on horseback--one a maiden of surpassing
beauty, clothed in rare and costly silks, and the other a gallant
young knight--soon caused a little crowd of curious rustics to
congregate around the house.

"Poor lady," exclaimed one tender-hearted matron, as she watched
Dorothy dismount. "She is of gentle blood; just see how weary she
looks."

"Didst ever see the likes of such a riding dress afore?" asked her
neighbour, as she eyed Doll's dress admiringly.

"Beshrew me," added an onlooker of the sterner sex, "'tis a runaway
match, I'll warrant me. These horses are ridden to death."

Neither Dorothy nor Manners was disposed to stay any longer than was
necessary amid such a curious people, and after partaking of a good
breakfast, and indulging in a little rest, they started on their way
again, with a fresh relay of horses.

This time they never stopped until they rode up to the little church,
within which the shivering clergyman sat, anxiously awaiting the
couple whom he had