She then threw around her shoulders a short circular
cape that concealed the weapons, and put on her hat and gloves and
went below.
She found her little groom already at the door with the horses. She
sprang into her saddle, and, bidding Jem follow her, took the road
toward Tip-Top.
She knew that Mr. Le Noir was in the habit of riding to the village
every morning, and she determined to meet him. She knew, from the
early hour of the day, that he could not possibly be ahead of her,
and she rode on slowly to give him an opportunity to overtake her.
Probably Craven Le Noir was later that morning than usual, for
Capitola had reached the entrance of the village before she heard
the sound of his horse's feet approaching behind her.
She did not wish that their encounter should be in the streets of
the village, so she instantly wheeled her horse and galloped back to
meet him.
As both were riding at full speed, they soon met.
She first drew rein, and, standing in his way, accosted him with:
"Mr. Le Noir!"
"Your most obedient, Miss Black!" he said, with a deep bow.
"I happen to be without father or brother to protect me from
affront, sir, and my uncle is an invalid veteran whom I will not
trouble! I am, therefore, under the novel necessity of fighting my
own battles! Yesterday, sir, I sent you a note demanding
satisfaction for a heinous slander you circulated against me! You
replied by an insulting note.
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