CHAPTER XIII

In the Park

This thing that she was doing required an infinite amount of pluck,—­of that sort of hardihood which we may not quite call courage, but which in a world well provided with policemen is infinitely more useful than courage.  Lord Rufford himself was endowed with all the ordinary bravery of an Englishman, but he could have flown as soon as run into a lion’s den as Arabella was doing.  She had learned that Lady Penwether and Miss Penge were both at Rufford Hall, and understood well the difficulty there would be in explaining her conduct should she find herself in their presence.  And there were all the servants there to stare at her, and the probability that she might be shown to the door and told that no one there would speak to her.  She saw it all before her, and knew how bitter it might be; but her heart was big enough to carry her through it.  She was dressed very simply, but still by no means dowdily, in a black silk dress, and though she wore a thick veil when she got out of the fly and rang the door bell, she had been at some pains with her hair before she left the inn.  Her purpose was revenge; but still she had an eye to the possible chance,—­the chance barely possible of bringing the man to submit.

When the door was opened she raised her veil and asked for Lord Rufford; but as she did so she walked on through the broad passage which led from the front door into a wide central space which they called the billiard-room but which really was the hall of the house.  This she did as a manifesto that she did not mean to leave the house because she might be told that he was out or could not be seen, or that he was engaged.  It was then nearly one o’clock, and no doubt he would be there for luncheon.  Of course he might be in truth away from home, but she must do her best to judge of that by the servant’s manner.  The man knew her well, and not improbably had heard something of his master’s danger.  He was, however, very respectful and told her that his lordship was out in the grounds;—­ but that Lady Penwether was in the drawing-room.  Then a sudden thought struck her, and she asked the man whether he would show her in what part of the grounds she might find Lord Rufford.  Upon that he took her to the front door and pointing across the park to a belt of trees, showed her three or four men standing round some piece of work.  He believed, he said, that one of those men was his lordship.

She bowed her thanks and was descending the steps on her way to join the group, when whom should she see but Lady Penwether coming into the house with her garden-hat and gloves.  It was unfortunate; but she would not allow herself to be stopped by Lady Penwether.  She bowed stiffly and would have passed on without a word, but that was impossible.  “Miss Trefoil!” said Lady Penwether with astonishment.

“Your brother is just across the park.  I think I see him and will go to him.”