The fatal word upon which everything would depend must
be spoken at the very latest on their return home on Monday, and
she was aware that much must probably be said before that. "Do we
hunt or shoot tomorrow?" she said.
"To-morrow is Sunday."
"I am quite aware of that, but I didn't know whether you could live
a day without sport."
"The country is so full of prejudice that I am driven to Sabbatical
quiescence."
"Take a walk with me to-morrow," said Arabella.
"But the Duchess," exclaimed Lord Rufford in a stage whisper. One
of the beaters was so near that he could not but have heard;--but
what does a beater signify?
"H'mh'm the Duchess! You be at the path behind the great
conservatory at half-past three and we won't mind the Duchess."
Lord Rufford was forced to ask for many other particulars as to the
locality and then promised that he would be there at the time
named.
CHAPTER XI
"You are so severe"
On the next morning Arabella went to church as did of course a
great many of the party. By remaining at home she could only have
excited suspicion. The church was close to the house, and the
family pew consisted of a large room screened off from the rest of
the church, with a fire-place of its own,--so that the labour of
attending divine service was reduced to a minimum.
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