Frances sprang forward with a lightened heart, and taking the
first path that led downwards, in a few minutes she reached the plain in
safety. While busied in stealing through the meadows towards the house,
the noise of horse approaching startled her, and she felt how much more
was to be apprehended from man, in some situations, than from solitude.
Hiding her form in the angle of a fence near the road, she remained
quiet for a moment, and watched their passage. A small party of
dragoons, whose dress was different from the Virginians, passed at a
brisk trot. They were followed by a gentleman, enveloped in a large
cloak, whom she at once knew to be Harper. Behind him rode a black in
livery, and two youths in uniform brought up the rear. Instead of taking
the road that led by the encampment, they turned short to the left and
entered the hills.
Wondering who this unknown but powerful friend of her brother could be,
Frances glided across the fields, and using due precautions in
approaching the dwelling, regained her residence undiscovered and
in safety.
CHAPTER XXXI
Hence, bashful cunning!
And prompt me, plain and holy innocence;
I am your wife, if you will marry me.
--_Tempest_.
On joining Miss Peyton, Frances learned that Dunwoodie was not yet
returned; although, with a view to relieve Henry from the importunities
of the supposed fanatic, he had desired a very respectable divine of
their own church to ride up from the river and offer his services.
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