And her kiss! yes, it was the kiss of love; but _what_ love?
The frank, upturned face answered him but too well.
They were within the shadow of the trees now, and could see the lights at Shoulthwaite.

In two minutes more their journey would be done.
"Take my hand, Rotha; you might slip on the frosty road in darkness like this." The words were scarcely spoken, when Rotha gave a little cry and stumbled.

"In an instant Ralph's arm was about her, and she had regained her feet.
"What is that ?" she said, trembling with fear, and turning backwards.
"A drift of frozen sleet, no doubt," Ralph said, kicking with his foot at the spot where Rotha slipped.
"No, no," she answered, trembling now with some horrible apprehension.
Ralph had stepped back, and was leaning over something that lay across the road.

The dog was snuffling at it.
"What is it ?" said Rotha nervously.
He did not answer.

He was on his knees beside it; his hands were on it.