Dr. Grimshaw's dark, sombre and lowering looks, enough
to have spread a gloom over any circle, effectually banished
cheerfulness from the board. Marian had had no opportunity of reading
her note--she had slipped it into her pocket But as soon as breakfast
was over, amid the bustle of rising from the table, Marian withdrew to a
window and glanced over the lines.
"My own dearest one, forgive my haste this morning. I regret the
necessity of leaving so abruptly. I earnestly implore you to see me once
more--upon the beach, near the Pine Bluffs, this evening at dusk. I have
something of the utmost importance to say to you."
She hastily crumpled the note, and thrust it into her pocket just as
Jacquelina's quizzical face looked over her shoulder.
"You're going to stay all day with me, Marian?"
"Yes, love--that is, till after dinner. Then I shall have to beg of Mrs.
Waugh the use of the carriage to go home."
"Well, then, I will ride with you, Marian, and return in the carriage."
All the company, with the exception of Mrs. Waugh, Marian and
Jacquelina, had left the breakfast-room.
Mrs. Waugh was locking her china closet, and when she had done, she took
her bunch of keys, and turning to Marian, said:
"Hebe, dear, I want you to go with me and see poor old Cracked Nell.
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