In
imagination she saw herself his wife, and though she shuddered at the
thought she never contemplated stopping the coach and going back to St.
James's Square, her mission unfulfilled.
"Judge Marriott has left London," said the servant when Barbara inquired
for him.
"When does he return?"
The servant did not know. It seemed evident that his general
instructions were to be reticent concerning his master's going and
coming.
"I must see him without delay on a matter of the gravest importance--the
gravest importance to him," said Barbara, and she was surely speaking
nothing but the truth, for the easy winning of her must be of great
moment to any man. "Can you tell me where I shall find him? Has he gone
to Aylingford Abbey?"
The man thought not, but his imagination did not appear to help him
further than that.
"It is most important," repeated Barbara, and in her hand was a golden
bribe.
"I ought not to give any information," said the man, "but you say it is
important to my master. He has set out for Dorchester to deal with some
of the rebel prisoners there."
"You are sure he goes first to Dorchester?"
"Quite certain, madam.
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