Involuntarily she quickened her horse's pace a
little as she thought of her race home to the children, after they were
found; and then came the chilling remembrance that, when she reached
home, Dick would not be there. She pulled up, and looked round for
Colonel George, who had dropped somewhat behind her, and was gazing at
the glorious prospect of moor and valley and woodland that was spread
out before him. Instantly he was at her side.
"I am afraid that we have not the same excuse for scampering home
to-day," he said, divining her thoughts; "poor old Dick is well on his
way by now. Well, the Corporal will be back in a few days to tell us
all about him; and I hope to see him myself before long, as he will be
close to London."
"Then you are going?" said Lady Eleanor, "for how long?"
"For a long time," he said, "I am going abroad again. Three months is
not very long leave after a six months' voyage perhaps, but I am a
soldier and must go where I am told. But I don't start for another
month," he added, "so I hope to clear up this little trouble for you
before I go."
Lady Eleanor stifled a little cry. "Going away again so soon?" she
said. "Surely you are not wanted already?" But she checked herself
and went on calmly. "Then you think there is nothing very serious the
matter with that poor idiot after all?"
Colonel George shook his head.
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