A young moon, buried in mist, gave a faint illumination
to my steps; and the light grew brighter as I walked forth into the
links. At the same moment, the wind, smelling salt of the open
ocean and carrying particles of sand, struck me with its full
force, so that I had to bow my head.
When I raised it again to look about me, I was aware of a light in
the pavilion. It was not stationary; but passed from one window to
another, as though some one were reviewing the different apartments
with a lamp or candle.
I watched it for some seconds in great surprise. When I had
arrived in the afternoon the house had been plainly deserted; now
it was as plainly occupied. It was my first idea that a gang of
thieves might have broken in and be now ransacking Northmour's
cupboards, which were many and not ill supplied. But what should
bring thieves to Graden Easter? And, again, all the shutters had
been thrown open, and it would have been more in the character of
such gentry to close them. I dismissed the notion, and fell back
upon another. Northmour himself must have arrived, and was now
airing and inspecting the pavilion.
I have said that there was no real affection between this man and
me; but, had I loved him like a brother, I was then so much more in
love with solitude that I should none the less have shunned his
company. As it was, I turned and ran for it; and it was with
genuine satisfaction that I found myself safely back beside the
fire.
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