Lecount watched through
the quiet night. When morning came, she stole downstairs before the
servant was up, restored the keys to their places, and re-occupied her
position in the parlor until Noel Vanstone made his appearance at the
breakfast-table. Had he altered his mind? No. He declined posting to
the railway on account of the expense, but he was as firm as ever in his
resolution to go to St. Crux. He desired that an inside place might be
secured for him in the early coach. Suspicious to the last, Mrs. Lecount
sent the baker's man to take the place. He was a public servant, and Mr.
Bygrave would not suspect him of performing a private errand.
The coach called at Sea View. Mrs. Lecount saw her master established
in his place, and ascertained that the other three inside seats were
already occupied by strangers. She inquired of the coachman if the
outside places (all of which were not yet filled up) had their full
complement of passengers also. The man replied in the affirmative. He
had two gentlemen to call for in the town, and the others would take
their places at the inn. Mrs. Lecount forthwith turned her steps toward
the inn, and took up her position on the Parade opposite from a point
of view which would enable her to see the last of the coach on its
departure.
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