To leave Dalibard in sole possession of the field, even for a few days, was a thought of alarm; but what evil could he do in that time?
And her pulse beat quickly: Mainwaring could come to Southampton; she should see him again, after more than six weeks' absence! She had so much to relate and to hear; she fancied his last letter had been colder and shorter; she yearned to hear him say, with his own lips, that he loved her still.

This idea banished or prevailed over all others.

She thanked her uncle cheerfully and gayly, and the journey was settled.
"Be at watch early on Monday," said Olivier to his son.
Monday came; the baronet had ordered the carriage to be at the door at ten.

A little before eight, Lucretia stole out, and took her way to Guy's Oak.

Gabriel had placed himself in readiness; he had climbed a tree at the bottom of the park (near the place where hitherto he had lost sight of her); she passed under it,--on through a dark grove of pollard oaks.