The park-sward of Fairly, white with snow, rolled down in long sweeps to the salt water: and under the last sloping oak of the park there was a gorse-bushed lane, green in Summer, but now bearing cumbrous blossom--like burdens of the crisp snow-fall.

Mrs.Lovell sat on horseback here, and alone, with her gauntleted hand at her waist, charmingly habited in tone with the landscape.

She expected a cavalier, and did not perceive the approach of a pedestrian, but bowed quietly when Robert lifted his hat.
"They say you are mad.

You see, I trust myself to you." "I wish I could thank you for your kindness, madam." "Are you ill ?" "I had a fall last night, madam." The lady patted her horse's neck.
"I haven't time to inquire about it.

You understand that I cannot give you more than a minute." She glanced at her watch.
"Let us say five exactly.