They were yet
a considerable way from the house. She motioned with her left hand
to advance; but still she did not speak. On they walked, though more
slowly, for she was exhausted, and occasionally stopped for breath or
strength.
At length she said, in a faint voice, 'I cannot join the party. I must
go home directly. How can it be done?'
'Your companions?' said the Duke.
'Are of course engaged, or not to be found; but surely somebody I know
is departing. Manage it: say I am ill.'
'O, Miss Dacre! if you knew the agony of my mind!'
'Do not speak; for Heaven's sake, do not speak!'
He turned off from the lawn, and approached by a small circuit the gate
of the ground. Suddenly he perceived a carriage on the point of going
off. It was the Duchess of Shropshire's.
'There is the Duchess of Shropshire! You know her; but not a minute is
to be lost. There is such a noise, they will not hear. Are you afraid to
stop here one instant by yourself? I shall not be out of sight, and not
away a second. I run very quick.'
'No, no, I am not afraid. Go, go!'
Away rushed the Duke of St. James as if his life were on his speed.
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