But he had launched himself upon her so
unexpectedly: if she had only foreseen the meeting with him, what a
careful line of conduct she would have marked out! Barbara broke
into a perspiration of disquiet when she thought of her unreserve,
and, in self-chastisement, resolved to sit up till midnight on the
bare chance of Edmond's return; directing that supper should be laid
for him, improbable as his arrival till the morrow was.
The hours went past, and there was dead silence in and round about
Yewsholt Lodge, except for the soughing of the trees; till, when it
was near upon midnight, she heard the noise of hoofs and wheels
approaching the door. Knowing that it could only be her husband,
Barbara instantly went into the hall to meet him. Yet she stood
there not without a sensation of faintness, so many were the changes
since their parting! And, owing to her casual encounter with Lord
Uplandtowers, his voice and image still remained with her, excluding
Edmond, her husband, from the inner circle of her impressions.
But she went to the door, and the next moment a figure stepped
inside, of which she knew the outline, but little besides. Her
husband was attired in a flapping black cloak and slouched hat,
appearing altogether as a foreigner, and not as the young English
burgess who had left her side. When he came forward into the light
of the lamp, she perceived with surprise, and almost with fright,
that he wore a mask.
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