The hounds had gone away in the direction of Trumpeton Wood, and it
was agreed that it would be useless to follow them. The waggonette
had been left at an inn about two miles from Copperhouse Cross, but
they resolved to abandon that and to ride direct to Harrington Hall.
It was now nearly three o'clock, and they would not be subjected to
the shame which falls upon sportsmen who are seen riding home very
early in the day. To get oneself lost before twelve, and then to come
home, is a very degrading thing; but at any time after two you may be
supposed to have ridden the run of the season, and to be returning
after an excellent day's work.
Then Madame Goesler began to talk about herself, and to give a short
history of her life during the last two-and-a-half years. She did
this in a frank natural manner, continuing her tale in a low voice,
as though it were almost a matter of course that she should make the
recital to so old a friend. And Phineas soon began to feel that it
was natural that she should do so. "It was just before you left us,"
she said, "that the Duke took to coming to my house.
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