"Allow me," she said, "to conduct myself at this
moment as I may think best. I shall do so at any rate." Then she
stalked on and Lady Penwether saw that any contest was hopeless.
Had she sent the servant on with all his speed, so as to gain three
or four moments, her brother could hardly have fled through the
trees in face of the enemy.
Lord Rufford, who was busy planning the prolongation of a ha-ha
fence, saw nothing of all this; but, after a while he was aware
that a woman was coming to him, and then gradually he saw who that
woman was. Arabella when she had found herself advancing closer
went slowly enough. She was sure of her prey now, and was wisely
mindful that it might be well that she should husband her breath.
The nearer she drew to him the slower became her pace, and more
majestic. Her veil was well thrown back, and her head was raised in
the air. She knew these little tricks of deportment and could carry
herself like a queen. He had taken a moment or two to consider.
Should he fly? It was possible. He might vault over a railed fence
in among the trees, at a spot not ten yards from her, and then it
would be impossible that she should run him down. He might have
done it had not the men been there to see it. As it was he left
them in the other direction and came forward to meet her. He tried
to smile pleasantly as he spoke to her.
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