There was joy in the little cottage by the swiftly running river one day
about a fortnight later, when a shadow was cast across the window; and
with a cry of delight Dinah looked up from her work and saw that Clive
Reed had approached silently, and was gazing in.
The next moment she was nestling in his strong arms, responding to his
kisses, and feeling once more safe, protected, and that there was
nothing more to fear or wish for in life.
"Don't laugh at me," she whispered, as she drew him farther in with the
blood flushing in her cheeks, and her hands trembling, lest her
abandonment in her ecstasy of delight had been seen.
"Why not?" cried Clive. "I feel as if I could melt away into smiles and
laughter--there's a beautiful idea, pet--in the joy I feel at being
back--at holding you in these great rough arms, at feeling safe, and
that you had not forgotten me and run away with some fine handsome
fellow while I was gone."
"Clive!"
"Well, I do. I'm quite boyish--childish--oh, my darling, have I got you
here in my arms once more?"
There was no doubt of it, for timid and shrinking now, Dinah kissed him
gravely upon the forehead, and then gently and firmly shrank from his
strong embrace.
"Where is the Major?" he cried.
"He has taken his satchel and geological hammer, and gone for a long
walk."
"Without you?"
"Yes; that is why I said, don't laugh at me, and you stopped me from
saying more. Clive--I felt that you would come this morning."
"Ah, and how much sooner I should have been, but for the miserable worry
of the company's affairs. There, I will not worry you about that, and I
am glad to say that I found Sturgess rapidly getting well. But he had a
nasty accident. And how's dear old Martha?"
"Quite well. She has been talking about you and longing to see you
every day."
"Bless her. And you. Oh, my darling, you look more beautiful than
ever!"
"Clive!"
"You do. More sweet, more lovable. Oh, Dinah, there was never such a
happy fellow before. This place is a paradise after grimy old London,
and--oh, here is the Major, I can hear his step."
Dinah turned pale.
"That is not his step," she said, as she looked excitedly toward the
window.
Clive rose, went to it, and looked out.
"Why, it's Robson," he cried. "Hang it! I hope there is nothing wrong.
I'll go and meet him." Before he was outside Dinah was after him, and
she hurriedly placed her hand upon his arm.
"Eh? Well, come with me then, pet. I have no secrets from you.--Well,
Robson, what's the matter? Sturgess worse?"
"No, sir, but you are wanted over yonder directly."
"Wanted?"
"Yes, sir, there's a party of gentlemen come down."
"What--visitors? Oh, hang them; they want to see the mine, I suppose?"
"No, sir. They say they've come to take possession."
"What?"
"I suppose they're bailiffs, sir."
"And I suppose you're a confounded fool!" cried Clive angrily. "That
mine does not owe a penny!"
"One of the gentlemen said he was a shareholder, sir, the principal
shareholder, and he gave me his card."