80 THE FAIR COURIER.

 

Gradually, now, the day declined, and,
as the deep shadows mingled more and
more with each other, a feeling of loneli-
ness, not before experienced, came over the
mind of Emily, and her eyes were cast
about more warily, as if she feared the ap-
proach of danger. The house at which she
had proposed to spend the night was still —
ten miles, if not more, in advance, and as
the shades of evening began to gather
around, the hope of reaching this resting-
place was abandoned; for there being no
moon, there was danger of her losing her
way in the darkness. This conviction was _
so strong, that Emily turned her horse’s
head in the direction of the first farmyard
that came in view after the sun had fallen
below the horizon. As she rode up to the
door, she was met by a man, who, accost-
ing her kindly, asked where she was from
and how far she was going.

“T hoped to reach Elwood’s to-night,” re-
plied Emily. “ How far away is it ?”

“Over ten miles—and the road is bad