Mr. l***l had reached this point in his meditations when the coach suddenly stopped. The door opened, and as he peered into the semicircle of wavering lamp light he observed a tall young lady in a riding coat white with snowflakes. She had dismounted from her horse, and the beast's smoking nostrils were thawing the ice on her sleeve. She wore a mask, but she did not deceive her father.
“ Cecily,” he cried, astounded out of his calm. “What madcap trick is this?”
The girl for answer flung her bridle to a servant and climbed into the coach beside him. Once more the wheels moved.
“ Oh, father, dearest father, pray forgive me. I have been so anxious. When you fell I begged Tony to give up the plan, but he assured me you had taken no hurt. Tell me you are none the worse.”
Mr. l***l began t
