With another in his place and the country disaffected as it is, we had been masters of England by now." Two ladies passed them at that moment, cloaked and hooded, walking briskly.

One of them turned to look at Trenchard, who, waving his arms in wild gesticulation, was a conspicuous object.

She checked in her walk, arresting her companion.
"Mr.Wilding!" she exclaimed.

It was Lady Horton.
"Mr.Wilding!" cried Diana, her companion.
Wilding doffed his hat and bowed, Trenchard following his example.
"We had scarce looked to see you in Bridgwater again," said the mother, her mild, pleasant countenance reflecting the satisfaction it gave her to behold him safe and sound.
"There have been moments," answered Wilding, "when myself I scarce expected to return.

Your ladyship's greeting shows me what I had lost had I not done so." "You are but newly arrived ?" quoth Diana, scanning him in the gloaming.
"From London, an hour since." "An hour ?" she echoed, and observed that he was still booted and dust-stained.