But when my father and Denzil come back
to-morrow, Reuben must be able to tell them why I went; and the nature
of my sister's illness. Were it not so serious that there is no time for
hesitation, it would ill become me to leave this house in my father's
absence."
He gave his head a curious jerk at Denzil's name, as if he had been stung.
"Yes, I will explain; I can make all clear to this gentleman here while you
put on your cloak. Bring the black to the door," he called to his man.
"Will not your lordship bait your horses before you start?" Reuben asked
deferentially.
"No time, fellow. There is no time. How often must I tell you so?" retorted
Fareham.
Reuben's village breeding had given him an exaggerated respect for
aristocracy. He had grown up in the midst of small country gentlemen,
rural squires, among whom the man with three thousand a year in land was a
magnate, and there had never been more than one nobleman resident within a
day's ride of the Manor Moat. To Reuben, therefore, a peer was like a god;
and he would have no more questioned Lord Fareham's will than a disciple of
Hobbes would have imputed injustice to Kings.
Angela returned in a few minutes, having changed her silken gown for a neat
cloth riding-skirt and close-fitting hood.
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