书城公版Kenilworth
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第21章 CHAPTER IV(5)

Away,base groom!said Tressilian.--And you,madam,fare you well--what life lingers in your father's bosom will leave him at the news I have to tell.He departed,the lady saying faintly as he left the room,Tressilian,be not rash--say no scandal of me.Here is proper gear,said Foster.I pray you go to your chamber,my lady,and let us consider how this is to be answered --nay,tarry not.I move not at your command,sir,answered the lady.

Nay,but you must,fair lady,replied Foster;excuse my *******,but,by blood and nails,this is no time to strain courtesies--you MUST go to your chamber.--Mike,follow that meddling coxcomb,and,as you desire to thrive,see him safely clear of the premises,while I bring this headstrong lady to reason.Draw thy tool,man,and after him.I'll follow him,said Michael Lambourne,and see him fairly out of Flanders;but for hurting a man I have drunk my morning's draught withal,'tis clean against my conscience.So saying,he left the apartment.

Tressilian,meanwhile,with hasty steps,pursued the first path which promised to conduct him through the wild and overgrown park in which the mansion of Foster was situated.Haste and distress of mind led his steps astray,and instead of taking the avenue which led towards the village,he chose another,which,after he had pursued it for some time with a hasty and reckless step,conducted him to the other side of the demesne,where a postern door opened through the wall,and led into the open country.

Tressilian paused an instant.It was indifferent to him by what road he left a spot now so odious to his recollections;but it was probable that the postern door was locked,and his retreat by that pass rendered impossible.