She must find him now, at once. And
she must do it alone. There was no alternative to that. Only
alone could she hope to influence him.
She stooped and locked the box once more, taking the key. Now that
she knew the worst, her weakness was all gone. With the old steady
fearlessness she went from the room. The battle was before her,
but she knew no misgiving. She would win--she was bound to
win--for the sake of the old love and in the strength of the new.
CHAPTER X
THE BEARER OF EVIL TIDINGS
It was late in the afternoon when Kelly returned to Blue Hill Farm.
He had been riding round Merston's lands with Burke during a great
part of the day, and he was comfortably tired. He looked forward
to spending a congenial evening with his hostess, and he hoped that
young Guy would not be of too lively a turn, for he was in a mood
for peace.
The first chill of evening was creeping over the _veldt_ as he
ambled along the trail past the _kopje_. As he came within sight
of the farm a wave of sentiment swept over him.
"Faith, it's a jolly little homestead!" he said, with a sigh.
"Lucky devil--Burke!"
There was no one about, and he took his horse to the stable and
gave him a rub-down and feed before catering. Then he made his way
into the house from the back,
There was a light in the sitting-room, and he betook himself
thither, picturing the homely scene of Sylvia knitting socks for
her husband or engaged upon some housewifely task.
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