CHAPTER VI.
When Madelon, returning from New Salem, came in sight of her home the first thing which she noticed was her father in the yard in front of the house.
David Hautville's great figure stood out in the dusk of the snowy landscape like a giant's.

He was motionless.

The roan mare's gallop had evidently struck his ear some time before, and he knew that Madelon was returning.

He did not even look her way as she drew nearer, but when she rode into the yard he made a swift movement forward and seized the mare by the bridle.

She reared, but Madelon sat firm, with wretched, undaunted eyes upon her father.