better time together than we have had yet. The third volume is always
more exciting than the first. I say we shall, and you know when I make
up my mind to a thing, it has to be done!"
"Ah, but how?" sighed Peggy faintly. "But how?" Vague prophecies of
the future were not much comfort to her in this moment of farewell. She
wanted something more definite; but Rob had no time to enter into
details, for even as she spoke the carriage drew up beside them, and,
while the occupants congratulated Peggy on having walked so far and so
well, he could only grip her hand, and take his place in silence beside
his sister.
Lady Darcy bent forward to smile farewell; Rosalind waved her hand, and
then they were off again, driving swiftly homewards, while Peggy stood
watching, a solitary figure upon the roadside.
Arthur and his companions hurried forward to join her, afraid lest she
should be tired, and overcome with grief by the parting with her friend
and partner.
"Poor little Peg! She won't like it a bit," said Arthur. "She's
crying! I'm sure she is."
"She is putting her handkerchief to her eyes," said Mellicent.
"We will give her an arm apiece, and take her straight back," said Max
anxiously. "It's a shame to have left the poor little soul alone!"
They stared with troubled eyes at the little figure which stood with its
back turned towards them, in an attitude of rigid stillness. There was
something pathetic about that stillness, with just the flutter of the
tell-tale handkerchief, to hint at the quivering face that was hidden
from view. The hearts of Peggy's companions were very tender over her
at that moment; but even as they planned words of comfort and cheer, she
wheeled round suddenly and walked back to meet them.
It was an unusually mild morning for the season of the year, and the sun
was shining from a cloudless sky. Its rays fell full upon Peggy's face
as she advanced--upon reddened eyes, trembling lips, and two large tears
trickling down her cheeks. It was undeniable that she was crying, but
she carried her head well back upon her shoulders, rather courting than
avoiding observation, and as she drew nearer it became abundantly
evident that Peggy had retired in honour of Mariquita, and that
consolations had better be deferred to a more promising occasion.
"A most lacerating wind!" she said coolly. "It draws the moisture to my
eyes. Quite too piercingly cold, I call it!" and even Mellicent had not
the courage to contradict.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
And here, dear readers, we leave Peggy Saville at a milestone of her
life. In what direction the crossroads led the little company of
friends, and what windings of the path brought them once more together,
remains still to be told. It was a strange journey, and in their
travelling they met many friends with whom all young people are
acquainted. The giant barred the way, and had to be overcome before the
palace could be reached; the Good Spirit intervened at the right moment
to prevent calamity, the prince and princess stepped forward and made
life beautiful; for life is the most wonderful fairy tale that was ever
written, and full of magic to those who have eyes to see.
Farewell, then, to Peggy Pickle; but if it be the wish of those who have
followed her so far, we may meet again with Mariquita Saville, in the
glory of sweet and twenty, and learn from her the secret of the years.
THE END.
End of Project Gutenberg's About Peggy Saville, by Mrs. G. de Horne Vaizey