Part 53 (2/2)
CHAPTER x.x.x
THE LAMP RELIGHTED
Marion, at the window, was the first to see him; and what she saw caused her to clutch at her throat to stifle a cry. He was not on horseback, though the roads were quite pa.s.sable, but in a sleigh; and there was a jingle of sleigh bells on the frosty air. He had come with the sorrels--for her--at last!
She opened the door for him, giving him her hand--was it possible?--a little shyly. Huntington, at Haig's entrance, rose from his chair before the fire; and Claire too, clinging to the chimney, scarce able to believe that there would not be such another scene as that of one evening long ago.
Silence, a little awkward for all of them, followed Marion's greeting, while the two men stood looking at each other. Then Haig walked direct to Huntington, frankly smiling.
”How are you, Huntington? And Mrs. Huntington?” he was saying quietly.
”All well,” replied Huntington, rather stiffly, meaning to be very reserved in this business.
Claire inclined her head without speaking. Her blue eyes were round, her lips parted, and something of the old terror showed in her face, though she knew very well why Haig was there.
”Thursby has told you?” asked Haig.
”Yes,” was Huntingdon's answer, still putting everything up to his enemy.
”Well then, Huntington, since you'll deal with Thursby now, I thought we might as well ask each other a few questions, and give straight answers.”
”I'm ready,” said Huntington gruffly.
”Thank you. First, did you drive that bunch of cattle off the cliff?”
”No. But did you scatter those twenty head of mine?”
”No. Both mere accidents undoubtedly. Second, did you advise setting an ambush for me?”
”No. That was--no matter who. I talked them out of it, and was sorry for it afterwards.”
”But you did say you'd drive me out of the Park.”
”Yes, and I'd have done it any way short of--”
”Sending me out in a coffin! But we all lost our tempers, of course.”
”And with good reason on our side,” retorted Huntington stoutly.
”Perhaps. But I'll ask you to remember that everything I did was open and aboveboard. If any of your cattle strayed, if any of _your_ fences were cut, I had nothing to do with it.”
”I believe you--now, after what Thursby's told me.”
”Thank you. We make progress. But there are two things more. Who cut the fence of my winter pasture?”
For a moment Huntington was silent, his face reddening.
<script>