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ETHEL CHURCHILL.
309

mark to the country for miles around. Now, they stood dark and phantom-like, thrown out by the crimson sky behind. Her heart sickened with impatience, the time seemed longer now that they drew so near; gradually, the long shadows mingled together, objects became confused, and it was necessary to light the lamps and flambeaux, and the avant-courier began to sound his horn: it was dangerous to risk meeting another carriage in the then state of the roads. All these preparations wound the anxiety of Lady Marchmont to a pitch of feverish agony: her cheek burnt, her hand trembled; she felt a sensation of choking in the throat; she felt confused, dizzy, and yet with one terror present and paramount over all. The carriage stopped; and, for the first time, a scream rose to her lips: she knew that it was at the lodge that they were stopping. It was but a moment, for the gates were open, the porter was not at his lodge, and they drove in.

"Let me out!" exclaimed Henrietta, as the heavy vehicle made its second pause at the hall-door. She sprang from the carriage,