Page:Ethel Churchill 2.pdf/85

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ETHEL CHURCHILL.
83

part of every troubled dream. He rose, and it was easy to carry it into execution. The day before, his departure from London would have excited the greatest surprise. This morning, the first thing he saw was a letter from his mother, urging his immediate presence at Courtenaye Hall, on account of some pressing business, owing to a lawsuit having just terminated in their favour.

In his journey down, he must pass within twenty miles of Ethel Churchill's home. He at once resolved that he would see her; it was but to implore her forgiveness, and even Constance might forgive the wish. He hurried off, allowing himself no time to think; and the rapid motion and violent exercise produced their usual effect. The fever of the body triumphed over that of the mind; if not forgotten, it was, at least, lulled.

Late at night, he arrived at a little village about two miles from Mrs. Churchill's house. It required all the influence of his handsome face with the landlady, and his handsome purse with the landlord, to procure those three great