They walked down the carriage-road, through the desolate, untenanted grounds, to the gate, before either of them spoke a word. Kate was waiting for George to tell her of the will, but did not dare to ask any question. George intended to tell her of the will, but was not disposed to do so without some preparation. It was a thing not to be spoken of open-mouthed, as a piece of ordinary news. "Which way shall we go?" said Kate, as soon as they had passed through the old rickety gate, which swung at the entrance of the place. "Up across the fell," said George; "the day is fine, and I want to get away from my uncle for a time." She turned round, therefore, outside the hill of firs, and led the way back to the beacon wood through which she and Alice had walked across to Haweswater upon a memorable occasion. They had reached the top of the beacon hill, and were out upon the Fell, before George had begun his story. Kate was half beside herself with curiosity, but still she was afraid to ask. 
They walked down the carriage-road, through the desolate grounds to the gate, before either of them spoke a word. Kate did not dare to ask about the will. George intended to tell her, but not without some preparation.
"Which way shall we go?" said Kate, as soon as they had passed through the old rickety gate.
"Up across the fell," said George; "the day is fine, and I want to get away from my uncle for a while."
So she led the way to the wood through which she and Alice had walked across to Haweswater. They had reached the top of the beacon hill, and were out upon the Fell, before George began his story.
