Worse still, Dolly was in the habit of stealing out to meet him when he left work, which was at eight o'clock.

On the evening of the accident, Dolly, abandoning her dairy, and braving the wrath of Mrs.Tynn, should she be discovered, stole out to a sheltered spot in the rear of the house, the usual meeting-place.

Scarcely was she ensconced here when the swain arrived; who, it may be remarked, _en passant_, filled the important post of waggoner to Mr.Bitterworth.The spot was close to the small green gate which led to the lane already spoken of; it led to that only; and, while he and Dolly were talking and making love, after their own rustic fashion, they saw Dan Duff come from the direction of the house, and pass through the gate, whistling.

A short while subsequently the gate was heard to open again.

Dolly looked out, and saw what she took to be one of the gentlemen come in, _from_ the lane, walking very fast.
Dolly looked but casually, the moonlight was obscured there, and she did not particularly notice _which_ of them it was; whether Mr.Lionel, or either of Mrs.Verner's sons.