though
ignorant of Ethelberta's experience that morning, instantly assumed that
the discovery of some concealed spectre had led to this precipitancy.

'When does she wish you to meet her with the carriage?'

'Probably at half-past seven, at the west lodge; but that is to be
finally fixed by a note she will hand down to me from the balcony.'

'Which balcony?'

'The nearest to the yew-tree.'

'At what time will she hand the note?'

'As the Court clock strikes six, she says. And if I am not there to take
her instructions of course she will give up the idea, which is just what
I want her to do.'

Christopher begged Sol to go. Whether Ethelberta was right or wrong, he
did not stop to inquire. She was in trouble; she was too clear-headed to
be in trouble without good reason; and she wanted assistance out of it.
But such was Sol's nature that the more he reflected the more determined
was he in not giving way to her entreaty. By the time that they reached
Anglebury he repented having given way so far as to withhold a direct
refusal.

'It can do no good,' he said mournfully. 'It is better to nip her notion
in its beginning. She says she wants to fly to Rouen, and from there
arrange terms with him. But it can't be done--she should have thought of
terms before.'

Christopher made no further reply. Leaving word at the 'Red Lion' that a
man was to be sent to take the horse of him, he drove directly onwards to
the station.

'Then you don't mean to help her?' said Julian, when Sol took the
tickets--one for himself and one for Picotee.

'I serve her best by leaving her alone!' said Sol.

'I don't think so.'

'She has married him.'

'She is in distress.'

'She has married him.'

Sol and Picotee took their seats, Picotee upbraiding her brother. 'I can
go by myself!' she said, in tears. 'Do go back for Berta, Sol. She said
I was to go home alone, and I can do it!'

'You must not. It is not right for you to be hiring cabs and driving
across London at midnight. Berta should have known better than propose
it.'

'She was flurried. Go, Sol!'

But her entreaty was fruitless.

'Have you got your ticket, Mr. Julian?' said Sol. 'I suppose we shall go
together till we get near Melchester?'

'I have not got my ticket yet--I'll be back in two minutes.'

The minutes went by, and Christopher did not reappear. The train moved
off: Christopher was seen running up the platform, as if in a vain hope
to catch