The Island School — page 277: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

292 fired asa signal. Asit was doubtful if the sound could be heard either in the vineyard or on the farm, he appointed two of the boys to stand with loaded rifles, one at the entrance of the chine and the other half- way up it, when the farm work was going on. Assoon as the gun sounded from the ramparts they were to fire in turn, and then the whole party were to hasten home. “Do not stay to bring anything but your tools,” said Jim, emphatically ; “waste not a moment.” If at the vineyard, the sentries to carry on the signal were to be posted at given distances from the castle and each other. “It may not be needed,” said Jim, “but there is nothing like being prepared.” He knew that it was early times to be on the alert, but it was better to be several days too early than one day too late. Every morning, since the work of storing began, Miss Hlegantine had gone out, and on each occasion returned with a buoyant step. Her manner became painfully mysterious, and in the afternoon she sat by the castle-gate gazing pensively towards the woods on the other side of the path. But, as it happened, nobody sought her confidence, and she offer it. On this morning Jim and three or four more were* going into the wood pig-hunting, and Morse remained ‘in charge. It was only the second time he had taken that duty, and he was not aware that Miss Elegantine had gone out daily. He was mooning about with his mind fixed on some new invention, when that aged, but still juvenile, lady came tripping out with a light step and a seraphic smile upon her face. ** Good morning, Mr. Morse,” she said. “Good morning,” replied Morse. ‘Where are you going to?” “Y was thinking of taking my daily stroll,’ she simpered., “Have you been out every morning ?” he inquired, surprised. ‘““Hivery morning since the digging viebadi.” ** And where do you go ?” * Into the wood, and I have such a pleasant time.” * You must not go any more,’ said Morse, de- €isively. “ And why not ?” she loftily inquired. “ Because it is dangerous,” said Morse, shortly. “‘ Indeed,” said Miss Elegantine, smiling, “ there is no danger for me. I shall be protected.” “By whom?” asked Morse. “‘ My lover,” said Miss Elegantine, with a giggle and @ skip. : did not. THE ISLAND SCHOOL. CHAPTER CXXVI. THE STORY OF A LOVER.—COMPLETING THE STORES. VER in the whole course of his life had Morse been more dumbfounded than he was by this announce- ment. There was something 560 ridiculously girlish in the way it was made that he siansinin hardly knew See to laugh or to be angry with one whom he. could only look upon as an old woman. Then it flashed upon him that one of the men might have been making fun of her, and he merely echoed the words, “ A lover,” in a sort of is-it-so-really way. “Yes, a lover,” said Miss Hlegantine; “a peculiar gentleman in some respects. But surely you must know him. Heisaneighbour. I wonder you never mentioned him.” “We have no neighbours here,” said Morse—“ unless you refer to somebody living in the castle.” “T do not,” replied Miss Elegantine, “nor am I aware of the exact address of his abode. He is, as 1 said, eccentric. He wears ganncue s of leaves—over his ordinary clothes, I presume.” “ By George !” thought Morse, “ she means the Wild Man.” “T judge by his demeanour,” continued Miss Elegantine, “that he has been for some time past a recluse—a hermit they would have called him in the old times. I met him a few days ago, and I must. confess that at first his appearance startled me. But he was so very engaging—knelt before me, and used expressions—— Well, there! I cannot tell you what he said.” “And you have seen him every morning since?” said the wondering Morse, “ T have.” sé’ And does he continue his—his peculiar con- duct P” “He varies it by giving me fruit, and sometimes he dances before me. It is not ordinary dancing.” “So I should say,” said Morse, with a groan. “He turns about like a teetotum,” said Miss Hlegantine, “ and then, standing on one leg, kisses his hand to me.. There is something foreign about him.” ‘Well, Miss Dibble,” said Morse, “I hope you will take my advice and not go near himagain. That man is dangerous.” com (@ 900 €S com oe a