There
was no mistaking her figure and her dress. She took a few steps hastily
toward the gate, stopped and pulled down the veil of her garden hat as
if she felt the clear morning light too much for her, then hurried
out on the Parade and walked away northward, in such haste, or in such
pre-occupation of mind, that she went through the garden gate without
closing it after her.
Mrs. Lecount started up from her chair with a moment's doubt of the
evidence of her own eyes. Had the opportunity which she had been vainly
plotting to produce actually offered itself to her of its own accord?
Had the chances declared themselves at last in her favor, after steadily
acting against her for so long? There was no doubt of it: in the popular
phrase, "her luck had turned." She snatched up her bonnet and mantilla,
and made for North Shingles without an instant's hesitation. Mr. Bygrave
out at sea; Miss Bygrave away for a walk; Mrs. Bygrave and the servant
both at home, and both easily dealt with--the opportunity was not to be
lost; the risk was well worth running!
This time the house door was easily opened: no one had bolted it
again after Magdalen's departure.
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