"I grant she takes first trick, and with a heavy hand for so small a
person, but the game is only commencing. One more draught of ale to
drink success to the end of it, and then to horse."
As the troopers rode out of Witley presently a horseman drew back into
the shadow of some trees by the roadside to let them pass.
"The remaining two," he murmured. "That's well; they have given up the
pursuit," and he turned and went at a brisk canter across country.
The maid said nothing about the trooper to her mistress; she only told
her that an early start would have to be made.
"Very well, Harriet, I shall want nothing more to-night, and will put
myself to bed."
But Barbara Lanison was in no haste to seek sleep. She was tired, bodily
tired, but mentally she was wakeful. There were some hours still before
she could reach Dorchester, and many more hours might elapse before she
could get speech with Judge Marriott. Having determined to make the
sacrifice, she was eager that it should be over and done with, that she
should know the full extent of the sacrifice. And perhaps, at the back
of her mind, there was a little fear of herself.
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