But what if she meant that manliness required him to hide the
wound? Then there did come upon him a feeling of shame as he
remembered how often he had spoken of his love to those who were
little better than strangers to him, and thought that perhaps such
loquacity was opposed to the manliness which she recommended. And
his conscience smote him as it brought to his recollection the
condition of his mind as he woke in Runciman's bed at the Bush on
last Sunday morning. That at any rate had not been manly. How would
it be with him if he made up his mind never to speak again to her,
and certainly not to him, and to take care that that should be the
only sign left of his suffering? He would hunt, and be keener than
ever;--he would work upon the land with increased diligence; he
would give himself not a moment to think of anything. She should
see and hear what he could do;--but he would never speak to her
again. The hounds would be at the old kennels to-morrow. He would
be there. The place no doubt was Morton's property, but on hunting
mornings all the lands of the county,--and of the next counties if
they can be reached,--are the property of the hunt. Yes; he would
be there; and she would see him in his scarlet coat, and smartest
cravat, with his boots and breeches neat as those of Lord Rufford;
and she should know that he was doing as she bade him.
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