Ward, Mary Augusta: Helbeck of Bannisdale, Vol. I. v1. 2 Jun 2014
 

Mary Augusta Ward née Arnold; (11 June 1851 – 24 March 1920), was a British novelist who wrote under her married name as Mrs Humphry Ward.

Excerpt
“I must be turning back. A dreary day for anyone coming fresh to these parts!”
So saying, Mr. Helbeck stood still—both hands resting on his thick stick—while his gaze slowly swept the straight white road in front of him and the landscape to either side.