All this time Barbara was pulled in two ways—for Richard’s sake she would have him know the truth of his origins, for her own she would be rid of the shadow of having sought the baronet in the bookbinder. But more and more the confidence of lady Ann gained force with her—that Richard was illegitimate. At first she had greatly doubted her, but now she said to herself, “She could hardly be mistaken, and she cannot have lied.”

In consequence she grew yet more free, more at home with Richard. She listened to all he had to tell her. Thus they learned from each other.

They strolled together in the field behind the smithy, within sight of the cottage, for an hour or so. Then hearing from the smithy the impatient stamping of Miss Brown, and fearing she might give the old man trouble, they hastened back. Richard brought out the mare. Barbara sprang on a big stone by the door, and mounted without his help. She went straight for Wylder Hall.

As they were walking up and down the field, Arthur Lestrange passed on foot some distance away, saw them, and went home indignant.

25. Lady Ann

— Twenty-Five —

Lady Ann

It would have been difficult for Arthur himself to say whether rage or contempt was stronger in his heart when he saw the lady he thought he loved walking in a field, back and forth, in close talk with the bookbinder. She had never walked like that with him! She preferred the bookbinder’s society to his—and made no secret of it!

What did Barbara mean by it? It was scorn alone that kept Arthur from hating Richard. As for Barbara, he attributed her disregard of propriety, and the very possibility of her being interested in such a person, to the mode of life in the half-savage country where she had been born and reared. The worst of his torment was that Richard was a good-looking fellow. And yet he was a mere workingman—what could be her intent?

The girl was uncontrollable. She would pay attention to nothing he might say. How could such a bewitching creature so lack refinement? If her face showed itself in London, she would be the belle of the season. If he did not secure her, some poor duke would pounce on her!