"I think that will be the better way," she said. "We will both let
by-gones, especially this ridiculous episode in the stage. I'll
put you on your good behavior."
"Thank you, Miss Mayhew. I would take our late risk twenty times
for such a result."
"I would not take it again on any account whatever. Please refer
to it no more. I declare, there comes Cousin Ik and Mr. Burleigh
to meet us. Was one's fortune ever so exasperating! Ik will teaze
me out of all comfort for weeks to come."
"Say little and leave all to my discretion," said Van Berg, reassuringly;
"and, by the way, you might limp a little more decidedly," which
she immediately did.
"My dear Miss Mayhew, I trust you are not seriously hurt," began
Mr. Burleigh while still several yards off.
Stanton's face was a study as he approached. Indeed he seemed half
ready to explode with suppressed merriment, but before he could
speak a warning glance from Van Berg checked him.
"Miss Mayhew might have been seriously and possibly fatally injured,"
said the artist gravely, "had it not been for her self-control.
Although it seemed that the stage would be dashed to pieces every
moment, I told her that in my judgement it would be safer to remain
within it than to spring out upon the hard and stony road, and I
am very glad that the final event confirmed my opinion.
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