A WOMAN'S PATIENCE. BY EMMA JANE WORBOISE, Author of "The Brudenells of Brude," "Oliver Westwood," "Lady Clarissa," BIBLIO "Ocean girds NOV '79 BODLEIAN London: JAMES CLARKE & CO., 13 & 14, FLEET STREET. HODDER & STOUGHTON, 27 & 31, PATERNOSTER ROW. A WOMAN'S PATIENCE. CHAPTER I. LOVERS' VOWS. THE dull twilight of a late October afternoon. Overhead, great clouds sailing majestically across a darkening sky; down in the valley a murmuring of tidal waters mingled with the low wailing of a weary southern wind; all about a pale chill mist rising from the winding river; on the summit of the lonely downs a lingering streak of amber; and on the far horizon an ever-deepening shadow, that would become luminous ere long, showing to the belated traveller where a great city of the West sent up the glow of its myriad lights to heaven. About half-way between the salt and muddy waves of the sea-bound river and the dark fir-crest that crowned the nearest hill, was a broad and level coach-road, cutting into almost equal portions, on the right side and on the left, the populous village of Westerleigh, the favourite residence of the wealthy magnates of Redminster-the distant city that was even now casting its lurid reflection on the nightfall sky. Along this road, on that October afternoon, came a tall and finely-built young man, who carried his head proudly, and advanced with a firm, quick step, and a well-assured manner, as one bent upon a settled purpose, and doubting not the swift accomplishment of his own good will and pleasure. On he sped, right through the |