Page 201 - The snake's pass

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IN THE CLIFF FIELDS. 189
looked at me in a strange manner, and merely growled
some reply to my salutation.
I felt that I could never meet Dick to-night.
Indeed, I wished to see no human being, and so I sat
for long on the crags above the sounding sea ; and
then wandered down to the distant beach. To and
fro I went all the night long, but ever in sight of the
hill, and ever and anon coming near to watch the
cottage where Norah slept.
In the early morning, I took my way to Eoundwood,
and going to bed, slept until late in the day.
When I woke, I began to think of how I could break
my news to Dick. I felt that the sooner it was done
the better. At first I had a vague idea of writing to
him from where I was, and explaining all to him ; but
this, I concluded, would not do—it seemed too cowardly a
way to deal with so true and loyal a friend—I would go
now and await his arrival at Carnaclif, and tell him all,
at the earliest moment when I could find an opportunity.
I drove to Carnaclif, and waited his coming im-
patiently, for I intended, if it were not too late, to
afterwards drive over to Shleenanaher, and see Norah
or at least the house she was in.
Dick arrived a little earlier than usual, and I could
see from the window that he was grave and troubled.
When he got down from the car, he asked if I were
in, and being answered in the affirmative, ordered dinner
to be put on the table as soon as possible, and went
up to his room.