"I said into Lincolnshire only, Miss Varris," young Preston amended. "Considering all elements, I thought I might be permitted to take your convoy out of Cambridgeshire, and your safe conduct into this county. But did you think that even I could let myself go further?"
He turned and, taking off his glove, gave his hand first to Mrs. Varris and then grasped the girl's fingers impulsively before she could form her reply.
"Good-bye!" he said simply.
The girl seemed to be waiting.
"Oh, during these past two hours, Miss Varris," he cried, "I've thought out a thousand things to say to try to thank you and show—my—appreciation of you—of what you have done. But the only word I can say now, the only one which can mean that I have even consideration for you, is 'Good-bye!'"
The train slowed and stopped. Preston opened the carriage door quickly, jumped down, and, removing his hat, stood uncovered as the
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