There was no immediate danger, the road being both good and clear, but as they went on, their pace, instead of subsiding, seemed to increase.

The carriage was not of the low build of these days, and the servant hesitated to risk a jump from his perch at the back.
Meantime a corner was in sight, which it would be hazardous to turn at this pace.

Mary sat, pale and terrified, only just sufficiently mistress of herself not to scream when suddenly, two men appeared coming towards them round the dreaded corner.

In another moment the adventure was over--the ponies had been stopped by one of the two strangers, and were standing panting but subdued; and Helen, recovering her self-possession the moment she was out of danger, was leaning forward to pour out thanks and explanations.
Mary, having less to do, had more leisure to look at the new-comers.
They were both young, and dressed like English gentlemen, but they had both something foreign and unusual in their appearance.

But there was this difference--that the foreign aspect was of a kind singularly attractive in the one, and unattractive in the other.