Further than that it did not seem to
him to be his business to inquire.
By this time he had reached the Castle. The Squire had gone out but
Ida was in, and he was shown into the drawing-room while the servant
went to seek her. Presently he heard her dress rustle upon the stairs,
and the sound of it sent the blood to his heart, for where is the
music that is more sweet than the rustling of the dress of the woman
whom we love?
"Why, what is the matter?" she said, noticing the disturbed expression
on his face.
"Well," he said, "there has been an accident--a very bad accident."
"Who?" she said. "Not my father?"
"No, no; Mr. Cossey."
"Oh," she said, with a sigh of relief. "Why did you frighten me so?"
The Colonel smiled grimly at this unconscious exhibition of the
relative state of her affections.
"What has happened to him?" asked Ida, this time with a suitable
expression of concern.
"He has been accidentally shot."
"Who by?"
"Mrs. Quest."
"Then she did it on purpose--I mean--is he dead?"
"No, but I believe that he will die."
They looked at one another, and each read in the eyes of the other the
thought which passed through their brains. If Edward Cossey died they
would be free to marry. So clearly did they read it that Ida actually
interpreted it in words.
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