Boy Woodburn

Excerpt: ...the cage for anyone. She was breathing deeply. Here you are, said the young man. She laid her hand on his a moment. He grasped it, and drew toward her silently. The horses moved side by side down the hill, a few pale stars sprinkling the dull heavens, and somewhere behind, the glimmer of a young moon. They passed into the Paddock Close, stealing softly over the turf, the wood moving gently on their right in the darkness. He came looming up beside her. Boy, he said deeply. It was the first time he had dared. Yes, she answered, and her voice trembled ever so little. Will you share something besides Four-Pound-the-Second? What? Everything. The moon caught her. She turned full face to him; and her eyes were tender and brilliant as he had never known them. D'you care for me? she asked. I love you, said Silver. She squeezed his hand, but answered nothing. D'you care for me? he asked in his turn. She did not answer for some time. I'm not going to marry you, she said at last. Why not? He thought she gulped. I'm not going to marry a gentleman. Why not? Again she paused. It doesn't do. He lifted her little hand in his great gloved one and kissed it. Bless you, dear Boy, was all he said. CHAPTER XXVIII The Fat Man Goes Under It was two days later that the girl met Joses in the village street. She crossed to him swiftly, and she was white and sparkling. Here's your knife, Mr. Joses, she said, handing it him. There came into his eyes at once that hunted look. He put both hands behind him and bowed with his honeyed smile. It's not mine, Miss Woodburn, thank you, he said. The girl was growing apace. A few months back she would have said It is, and have dropped it at his feet. Now she answered: You may have it whenever you like to call for it, and passed on. A little farther down the street she met the vicar. On her face was that frosty look that Mr. Haggard said made him afraid. Well, Boy? he said. Good morning, Mr....