"
So I told him briefly of the storm, how, dazed and shaken after being
thrown by Wildfire, I wandered into the wood and came upon the poor,
distracted girl and brought her back with me to the "Soaring Lark." To
all of which he listened, tap-tapping softly with his foot.
"Ha--outside that accursed house!" he exclaimed, when I had done. "The
place should be burned down!" And then in a different tone, glancing
at me somewhat askance, "But then, Perry--egad--don't ye see this does
not explain your abrupt departure from the reception and flight from
London--now does it?"
"Not in the least, Anthony. Nor can I offer any explanation."
Here Anthony pursed his lips to a soundless whistle and began his soft
tap-tapping again.
"Diana was--deeply hurt," said he at last. "Every hour she is grieving
for you--breaking her heart, Perry--as we sit here."
"For God's sake, Anthony," I cried passionately, "keep your feet
still!"
"Eh? Oh, begad, forgive me, Perry! Consequently, she will be overjoyed
to learn you are here safe. She will post down to you as fast as
horses can bring her--"
"Need she know, Anthony?" At this he turned with a kind of leap and
glanced at me with a startled expression.
"Lord, man--you are really ill!" he exclaimed.
"Ill or no, Anthony, if you are truly my friend and value my
friendship, promise me--swear to me she shall not come near me!"
"Egad, Peregrine, you are damned ill!"
"Promise--promise! Swear me this, Anthony!" cried I, starting up in
bed to grasp at him with eager hands.
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