on the remainder of their journey to Meadowfield Lodge.

The
inn was
crowded with other travellers but, after Stephen had spoken
with the
landlord, they were escorted to a private room on the first
floor.

Having finished his meal, Stephen left to have a word with

their coach
driver while his sister and brother finished their stew. Harry
was
slow at eating, having little appetite for food, his cold
seeming much
worse.

Rachel was distracted when two gentlemen were shown into the
room by
the landlord. After furnishing them with tankards of ale, he
left to
fetch the food they ordered. They paid scant attention to
Rachel find
her brother, who sat quietly in a corner of the room. She
observed
them absently, watching as they removed their large coats and
tall hats
and sat at one of the tables across the room from them.

It was obvious by their manner and dress that they were

gentlemen. The
smaller of the two had light brown hair, a pleasant countenance
and a
soft, rather delicate mouth. However, there was nothing
delicate about
his friend.

Rachel judged him to be about thirty-one or two and he was tall

and
impressive ver six foot and broad-shouldered, yet lean of body,
in the
athletic sense. The darkness of his countenance was
accentuated by the
dazzling white silk neck cloth he wore.

She noted his dark eyes and the richness of his thick, black