"You are ill?" She came quickly towards me, but halted a pace or two
off. "You look as if you were going to faint."
"I'll try not to," said I. "The fact is, I have just twisted my ankle
on the side of Skirrid, and I wished to be told the shortest way to the
station."
"I don't believe you can walk; and"--she hesitated a second, then went
on defiantly--"we have no carriage to take you."
"I should not think of putting you to any such trouble."
"Also, if you want to reach Aber, there is no train for the next two
hours. You must come in and rest."
"But really "--
"I am mistress here. I am Wilhelmina Van der Knoope."
Being by this time on my feet again, I bowed and introduced myself by
name. She nodded. The child had a thoughtful face--thoughtful beyond
her years--and delicately shaped rather than pretty.
"Lobelia, run in and tell the Admirals that a gentleman has called, with
my permission."
Having dismissed the handmaiden, she observed me in silence for a few
moments while she unpinned her tartan riding-skirt. Its removal
disclosed, not--as I had expected--a short frock, but one of quite
womanly length; and she carried it with the air of a grown woman.
"You must make allowances, please. I think," she mused, "yes, I really
think you will be able to help. But you must not be surprised, mind.
Can you walk alone, or will you lean a hand on my shoulder?"
I could walk alone.
Pages:
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254