Part 20 (2/2)

So Jasper presently left the village and began strolling in the direction where the river Earn flows between dark rocks until it loses itself in a narrow stream among the peaceful hills. In that direction lay The Priory, with its thick yew hedge and its shut-in appearance.

As Jasper continued her walk she knew nothing of the near neighborhood of The Priory, and no one in all the world was farther from her thoughts than the pretty, tall slip of a girl who lived there.

Now, it so happened that Sylvia was taking her walks abroad also in the hour of dusk. It was one of her peculiarities never to spend an hour that she could help indoors. She had to sleep indoors, and she had to take what food she could manage to secure also under the roof which she so hated; but, come rain or s.h.i.+ne, storm or calm, every sc.r.a.p of the rest of her time was spent wandering about. To the amount of fresh air which she breathed she owed her health and a good deal of her beauty.

She was out now as usual, her big mastiff, Pilot, bearing her company.

She was never afraid where she wandered with this protection, for Pilot was a dog of sagacity, and would soon make matters too hot for any one who meant harm to his young mistress.

Sylvia walked slowly. She was thinking hard. ”What a delightful time she was having twenty-four hours ago! What a good dinner she was about to eat! How pleasant it was to wear Audrey's pretty dress! How delightful to dance in the hall and talk to Arthur Jervice! She wondered what his sister with the curious name was like. How beautiful his face looked when he spoke of her!

”She must be lovely too,” thought Sylvia. ”And so restful! There is nothing so cool and comfortable and peaceful as a mossy bank. I suppose she is called Moss because she comforts people.”

Sylvia hurried a little. Presently she stood and looked around her to be sure that no one was by. She then deliberately tightened her belt.

”It makes me feel the pangs less,” she thought. ”Oh dear, how delightful, how happy those must be who are never, never hungry!

Sometimes I can scarcely bear it; I almost feel that I could steal something to have a big, big meal. What a lot I ate last night, and how I longed to pocket even that great hunch of bread which was placed near my plate! But I did not dare. I thought my big meal would keep off my hunger to-day, but I believe it has made it worse than ever. I must have a straight talk with father to-night. I must tell him plainly that, however coa.r.s.e the food, I must at least have enough of it. Oh dear, I ache-I _ache_ for a good meal!”

The poor girl stood still. Footsteps were heard approaching. They were now close by. Pilot p.r.i.c.ked up his ears and listened. A moment later Jasper appeared on the scene.

When she saw Sylvia she stopped, dropped a little courtesy, and said in a semi-familiar tone:

”And how are you this evening, Miss Leeson?”

Sylvia had not seen her as she approached. The girl started now and turned quickly round.

”You are Jasper?” she said. ”What are you doing here?”

”Taking the air, miss. Have you any objection?”

”None, of course,” replied Sylvia.

Had there been light enough to see, Jasper would have noticed that the girl's face took on a cheerful expression. She laid her hand on Pilot's forehead. Pilot growled. Sylvia said to him:

”Be quiet; this is a friend.”

Pilot evidently understood the words. He wagged his bushy tail and looked in Jasper's direction. Jasper came boldly up and laid her hand beside Sylvia's on the dog's forehead. The tail wagged more demonstratively.

”You have won him,” said Sylvia in a tone of delight. ”Do you know, I am glad, although I cannot tell why I should be.”

”He looks as if he could be very formidable,” said Jasper.-”Ah, good dog-good dog! n.o.ble creature! So I am your friend? Good dog!”

”But it must be rather unpleasant for visitors to come to call on you, Miss Sylvia, with such a dog as that loose about the place. Now, I, for instance--”

”If you had a message from Evelyn for me,” said Sylvia, ”you could call now with impunity. Strangers cannot; that is why father keeps Pilot. He is trained never to touch any one, but he is also trained to keep every one out. He does that in the best manner possible. He stands right in the person's path and shows his big fangs and growls. n.o.body would dream of going past him; but you would be safe.”

Jasper stood silent.

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