But as I crossed the yard, George suddenly emerged from the stables.
"Lord, Mr. Vereker, sir!" he exclaimed, touching an eyebrow.
"Any one about, George?"
"Nary a soul, sir--'cept me an' my little old woman. But 'bout a hour
ago Mr. Anthony's lady rides up, all a-tremblin' an' pale--an' no
wonder, poor soul, seein' Mr. Anthony galloped off lookin' like a
devil an' a bottle o' my brandy in 'is pocket!"
"Had Mrs. Vere-Manville come to find him, George?"
"No, sir! He'd been gone a good 'arf-hour afore she came. 'O George,'
says she, all a-gaspin' like, 'is Miss Lovel 'ere?' 'Upstairs along o'
Mr. Vereker, ma'm,' I says. 'Oh, I must see her--I must see her!'
cries she, a-shakin' wuss'n ever, so that I was afeard she'd fall off
'er 'oss an' 'im that gentle! 'Can I 'elp you ma'm?' says I. 'No!'
says she, moanin' an' breathless-like. 'Oh, no, George--nobody can, O
God, 'elp me, God 'elp me!' An' then, sir, down comes Miss Lovel an'
runs to 'er. 'Why, Babs!' says she, anxious-like. 'Oh, what is it,
dearest?' At this, Mr. Anthony's lady begins to sob--'eart-breakin',
sir! 'O Di,' says she, all wildlike, 'O Di dear, 'e wants me! 'E says
I must go--to-night--an' I'm afraid.' So Miss Lovel, she kisses 'er
an' they whisper together. Then Miss Lovel calls for 'er 'oss, an'
away they ride very close together, an' Miss L.'s arm about 'er. Lord,
sir, who'd a thought it o' Mr. Anthony? So wild an' fierce-like 'e
were--enough to fright any woman, 'specially such a beautiful, gentle
creetur' as 'is wife! Drink 's a fearsome thing!"
"True, George.
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