Wasp was a "well bred 'un and a game 'un." At the same time, I was
sorry for the parson.
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"I am really vexed that it is so dark and wet," said Frank that night,
as he came to the lawn-gate to say good-bye. "I wish I could walk in
with you, but my naughty toe forbids; or, I wish I could ask you to
stay, but I know your wife and Ida would feel anxious."
"Indeed they would," I replied; "they would both be out here in the pony
and trap. Good-night; I'll find my way, and I've been wet before
to-night."
"Good-night; God bless you," from Frank.
Now the lanes of Berkshire are most confusing even by daylight, and
cabmen who have known them for years often go astray after dark, and
experience considerable difficulty in finding their way to their
destination. It is not to be wondered at, therefore, that I, almost a
stranger to them, should have lost myself on so dark a night.
Aileen Aroon and Nero were coupled together, and from the centre of the
short chain depended a small bicycle lamp, which rendered the darkness
visible if it did nothing else.