“What will you do now?” said Effingham.
“Do! I can neither get backward nor forward, so I suppose I must stay where I am. Lucky there’s that cottage so near; for though there’s no sign up that I can see, doubtless I shall find in my extremity ‘good entertainment for man and beast.’”
“The cottage, sir, is mine,” said Effingham stiffly; then added, with his natural graceful politeness, “I am sure that whatever accommodation it may afford will be very much at your service.”
Before the doctor had time to reply to one whose appearance and demeanour so little corresponded with that of his dwelling, Martha came running breathlessly to the gate. “O sir, I’m so thankful to see you!” she exclaimed; “but haven’t you brought back my mistress with you?”
“Here’s a riddle to read!” cried the doctor gaily, turning with a smile to Effingham; but the husband had caught alarm from the anxious, excited face of the servant.
“What’s the matter?” he sternly exclaimed.
“Master Vincent is bad with the fever, and mistress—surely, sir, she sent you here?” added Martha, turning anxiously towards the doctor.
“No, my good girl, I’ve seen no lady.”
“Oh! mercy! mercy!” cried Martha, wringing her hands; “then maybe she never got through the tunnel!”
“The tunnel!” exclaimed Effingham, with a start of horror; “for mercy’s sake, girl, explain yourself!”