"
CHAPTER XI
THURSTAN AND FAITH BENSON
You have now seen the note which was delivered into Mr. Benson's
hands, as the cool shades of evening stole over the glowing
summer sky. When he had read it, he again prepared to write a few
hasty lines before the post went out. The post-boy was even now
sounding his horn through the village as a signal for letters to
be ready; and it was well that Mr. Benson, in his long morning's
meditation, had decided upon the course to be pursued, in case of
such an answer as that which he had received from Mrs.
Bellingham. His present note was as follows;--
"DEAR FAITH,--You must come to this place directly, where I
earnestly desire you and your advice. I am well myself, so do not
be alarmed. I have no time for explanation, but I am sure you
will not refuse me; let me trust that I shall see you on Saturday
at the latest. You know the mode by which I came; it is the best
both for expedition and cheapness. Dear Faith, do not fail me.--
"Your affectionate brother. THURSTAN BENSON.
"P.S.--I am afraid the money I left may be running short. Do not
let this stop you. Take my Facciolati to Johnson's, he will
advance upon it; it is the third row, bottom shelf. Only come."
When this letter was despatched he had done all he could; and the
next two days passed like a long monotonous dream of watching,
thought, and care, undisturbed by any event, hardly by the change
from day to night, which, now the harvest moon was at her full,
was scarcely perceptible.
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