Her
clothes were of recent fashion; even the ivory-handled parasol that
she carried was of a shape unknown in the retired spot to which they
had now wandered; and the cut of such articles would have attracted
attention in the settle of a tavern. He soon returned, with food
enough for half-a-dozen people and two bottles of wine--enough to
last them for a day or more, should any emergency arise.
They sat down upon some dead boughs and shared their meal. Between
one and two o'clock they packed up the remainder and went on again.
"I feel strong enough to walk any distance," said she.
"I think we may as well steer in a general way towards the interior
of the country, where we can hide for a time, and are less likely to
be looked for than anywhere near the coast," Clare remarked. "Later
on, when they have forgotten us, we can make for some port."
She made no reply to this beyond that of grasping him more tightly,
and straight inland they went. Though the season was an English May,
the weather was serenely bright, and during the afternoon it was
quite warm. Through the latter miles of their walk their footpath
had taken them into the depths of the New Forest, and towards
evening, turning the corner of a lane, they perceived behind a brook
and bridge a large board on which was painted in white letters, "This
desirable Mansion to be Let Furnished"; particulars following, with
directions to apply to some London agents.
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