Part 84 (1/2)
”Tell her I felt too unwell, dear,” said Louise imploringly, for her father's persistence seemed to trouble her more and more; and he looked at her wonderingly, she seemed so agitated.
”But I don't like to leave you like this, my child.”
”Yes, yes; please go, dear. I shall be so much better alone. There, it is growing late. You will not stop very long.”
”No; an hour or two. I must be guided by circ.u.mstances. If that man is there--I cannot help it--I shall stay a very short time.”
”That man, father?”
”Yes,” said Vine, with a shudder. ”Crampton. He makes me s.h.i.+ver whenever we meet.”
His face grew agonised as he spoke; and he rose hastily and kissed Louise.
”You will not alter your mind and come?” he said tenderly.
”No, no, father; pray do not press me. I cannot go to-night.”
”Strange!” said George Vine thoughtfully. ”Strange that she should want to stay.” He had crossed the little rock garden, and closed the gate to stand looking back at the old granite house, dwelling sadly upon his children, and mingling thoughts of the determined refusal of Louise to come, with projects which he had had _in petto_ for the benefit of his son.
He shuddered and turned to go along the level platform cut in the great slope before beginning the rapid descent.
Volume 2, Chapter XXIII.
A STARTLING VISITATION.
”Fine night, master, but gashly dark,” said a gruff voice, as Vine was nearly at the bottom of the slope.
”Ah, Perrow! Yes, very dark,” said Vine quietly. ”Not out with your boat to-night?”
”No, Master Vine, not to-night. Sea brimes. Why, if we cast a net to-night every mash would look as if it was a-fire. Best at home night like this. Going down town?”
”Yes, Perrow.”
”Ah, you'll be going to see Master Van Heldre. You don't know, sir, how glad my mates are as he's better. Good-night, sir. You'll ketch up to Master Leslie if you look sharp. He come up as far as here and went back.”
”Thank you. Good-night,” said Vine, and he walked on, but slackened his pace, for he felt that he could not meet Leslie then. The poor fellow would be suffering from his rebuff, and Vine shrank from listening to any appeal.
But he was fated to meet Leslie all the same, for at a turn of the steep path he encountered the young mine-owner coming towards him, and he appeared startled on finding who it was.
”Going out, Mr Vine?” he stammered. ”I was coming up to the house, but--er--never mind; I can call some other time.”
”I would turn back with you, only I promised to go down to Mr Van Heldre's to-night.”
”Ah, yes, to Van Heldre's,” said Leslie confusedly. ”I'll walk with you if you will not mind.”
”I shall be glad of your company,” said Vine quietly; and they continued down to the town, Leslie very thoughtful, and Vine disinclined to converse.
”No, I am not going in, Mr Vine. Will you let me come and say a few words to you to-morrow?”
”Yes,” replied Vine gently.