Page:Adventures of Susan Hopley (Volume 1).pdf/96

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SUSAN HOPLEY.
83

chambermaid, "was an old shirt button, such as gentlemen fasten their wristbands with—it was on the pavement under the window of the footman's room; but it may have been lying there weeks before for any thing I know. Here it is," and she drew it from her pocket—"if you like to have it, you're very welcome."

"I should," said Susan, as she examined it. It was a pair of little studs united by a chain, with a bit of coloured glass in each; on one was inscribed W. G., and on the other J. C. The first were the initials of Mr. Gaveston; and though even if the thing were his, the discovery amounted to little or nothing, yet Susan felt anxious to possess it, and accepted Betty's offer with thanks.

Whilst they were yet talking, they heard voices and the sound of a horse's foot under the window; and on looking out, she saw the ostler was bringing out Mr. Gaveston's mare, as he (Mr. G.) was about to start, as he had announced, in quest of the fugitives.

It was a beautiful animal of a bright bay colour, and had a coat that, as the ostler remarked, you might see your face in; and he led her admiringly up and down, patting her sleek sides and stroking her taper legs, waiting till her master was ready to mount.