Part 63 (1/2)
Meanwhile, Lady Markham was seated at the window, with Lil's hand clasped in hers, waiting, as it were, for that something which seemed as if it would happen. No great wonder, at a time when change succeeded change with marvellous rapidity. They had neither of them spoke for some time, till suddenly Lil pressed her mother's hand.
”What is it, dear?”
”Listen!”
Lady Markham bent forward, and remained silent for some minutes before saying--
”I heard nothing, Lil.”
”I thought I heard horses a long way off. Oh!”
She started violently, for there was a sharp, but faint tap on the panel of the door, as if some one had sharply loosened one finger-nail with the other.
Neither stirred for a few moments, and then the sharp cracking sound was repeated.
Lady Markham did not hesitate, but walked across to the door.
”Who is there?” she said in a low, firm voice.
There was a faint rustle, as of some one moving a hand over the door outside, and then from low down came a low--
”Hist!”
It was from the keyhole without a doubt, and stooping, Lady Markham repeated her question, placing her ear close to the keyhole, as she listened for the answer.
That reply sent the blood thrilling through her veins, as it was whispered through the keyhole, and for the moment, she felt giddy with anguish, love, and fear.
It came again, with an addition.
”Mother! Open! Quick!”
With her hands trembling so that they almost refused their office, she turned the key, felt a strong grasp on the handle, the door was thrust open softly, closed, and locked, as she stood trembling there, and a pair of arms were clasped around her neck.
”Mother, dearest mother!”
”Scar, dear Scar, me too,” whispered Lil, for Lady Markham was speechless with emotion.
Brother and sister were locked in a loving embrace, and then Lil shrank away.
”Scar,” she whispered; ”why you are all wet.”
”Yes,” he said, with a half-laugh. ”I had to swim across part of the lake.”
”Oh, my boy, my boy, how did you get here?” whispered Lady Markham.
”Oh, I found a way, mother dear.”
”But your father? Oh! There is no bad news?”
”No, no; don't tremble so. He is quite well, and not many miles away.”