At length, all was done. Papa and my brothers went out on
their various errands, mamma walked to the river-side to her
dairy, and I was left alone. Then I began to feel an unwonted
tremor. I could not read or sew ; I shrank from walking in
the fiazza, because there I should first see Marion ; I would
not go into the garden, because it would look like avoiding him.
A sudden thought struck me. With a mixed feeling of frolic
and agitation I ordered my horse to be saddled, and ran up
' stairs to a remote closet, where my riding-dress and hat had
been banished after my fall in the ditch. There they were —
the same splashes of mud on the habit, the same dangling black
feathers, the same crushed wire and stiff veil. Dressing
quickly, I rang for Jim, whom I made partially my confidant.
All Jim's politeness could not prevent him from laughing out
at the appearance I exhibited.
" Ki !" shouted he ; " Miss Neely look more worser dan she
did when she tumble head over heel. De jacket too leetle, and



252 KKCOLLECTIONS OF A

de sleeve an't fetch to de wrist. Miss , Neely been scare de
crow !"

I asked Jim if he was certain that Mr. Marion always took
the private path across the fields from our avenue ; and having
ascertained this fact, I threw a large shawl over my shoulders,
put a fresh veil above the soiled one, mounted my horse, and,
followed by Jim, with a beating heart cantered down the
avenue.
