The Salamanca Corpus: Yeoman Fleetwood (1900 ... - Gredos

The Salamanca Corpus: Yeoman Fleetwood (1900)
"Well then," said Simon with assumed cheerfulness, "you will allow me to find a
lodging for you where you
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may rest till daybreak? You need repose, and we could hardly start before then."
“Oh, let us start now,” cried Rachel, almost with a groan. "Pray, let it be now. Every
moment that I remain here is agony. I beg of you, take me away at once."
"So be it," said Simon still cheerfully, though the cheerfulness had a very hollow ring.
"The inn where I am staying is not far from here, and I know they keep post-horses. I
will conduct you there, and make preparations for our departure at once. But you — can
you travel as you are now — in that thin dress, and without even a shawl?"
"Have I no shawl?" said she, as though perceiving the fact for the first time; "it does not
matter, I am not cold. We are losing time — oh, make haste, make haste, Simon! I shall
not breathe until I have left this place."
They hurried on, and soon came to the little hostelry where Simon had been lodging; all
the house was in darkness, and as he was about to knock at the door Rachel shrank
back.
"Do not let them see me," she said. "I — I am ashamed."
Her husband drew her arm more firmly through his:—
"No need to be ashamed," he said. "Have no fear— no one shall molest you."
In another moment his thundering rap roused all the echoes of the quiet place, and even
the sleepy "Boots". The door was unbolted and opened a very little way, and a
tremulous "Who's there?" was muttered through the chink.
"'Tis I — Mr. Fleetwood; I have been staying here, but I and my wife must leave
Brighton to-night. Let us in until the chaise is ready.”
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Slip-shod feet were now heard descending the stairs, and an anxious query in feminine
tones.