" And so
saying, she flung herself out of the building and into her saddle,
put whip to her horse and galloped away home.
Now, Mr. Stone had privately resolved to thrash Craven Le Noir; but
he did not deem it expedient to take Cap into his confidence. As
Capitola reached the horse block, her own groom came to take the
bridle.
"Jem," she said, as she jumped from her saddle, "put Gyp up and then
come to my room, I have a message to send by you."
And then, with burning cheeks and flashing eyes, she went to her own
sanctum, and after taking off her habit, did the most astounding
thing that ever a woman of the nineteenth or any former century
attempted--she wrote a challenge to Craven Le Noir--charging him
with falsehood in having maligned her honor--demanding from him "the
satisfaction of a gentleman," and requesting him as the challenged
party to name the time, place and weapons with which he would meet
her.
By the time she had written, sealed and directed this warlike
defiance, her young groom made his appearance.
"Jem," she asked, "do you know the way to the Hidden House?"
"Yes, miss, sure."
"Then take this note thither, ask for Mr. Le Noir, put it into his
hands, and say that you are directed to wait an answer. And listen!
You need not mention to any one in this house where you are going--
nor when you return, where you have been; but bring the answer you
may get directly to this room, where you will find me.
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