He saw her figure diminish and her blue veil grow gray--saw it with the agonizing sensations of a slow death.
After thus parting from a man than whom she had known none greater as yet, Elfride rode rapidly onwards, a tear being occasionally shaken from her eyes into the road.

What yesterday had seemed so desirable, so promising, even trifling, had now acquired the complexion of a tragedy.
She saw the rocks and sea in the neighbourhood of Endelstow, and heaved a sigh of relief.
When she passed a field behind the vicarage she heard the voices of Unity and William Worm.

They were hanging a carpet upon a line.

Unity was uttering a sentence that concluded with 'when Miss Elfride comes.' 'When d'ye expect her ?' 'Not till evening now.

She's safe enough at Miss Bicknell's, bless ye.' Elfride went round to the door.