"And he says, 'I'm not so sure about that either.'"
A faint "Oh!" had escaped Jessie's lips, and she looked imploringly at Mildred.
"And then—?" said Mildred.
"And then Mr. Gilbert came up, and he stopped to speak to me; and Mr. Groates was standing in the road, close to the corner, and he stopped to look our way, and nodded to Mr. Gilbert, and I saw Mr. Bateson coming along the road quick. And that very moment Stobbs' cart dashed right round the corner. Nobody could have seen it coming, nor warned Mr. Groates. He was just knocked down flat, and it went over him, and his head struck on the curb-stone. And I was looking, and I saw it all," added Miss Perkins, with unnecessary pity for herself.
"I'm sure it gave me such a turn . . . I don't know whenever I'll get over it. It's made me feel all a sort of upside down. And I couldn't move, no more than if I'd been turned into a stone; but I had to hold on to the lamp-post. And they all came running, and the boy jumped down, and he did look frightened, and no wonder, to see Mr. Groates lying there on the ground. But nobody hadn't time to see to him, though I'm sure he deserved a scolding, tearing round corners at that rate. It's a shame the way those butcher boys do go about. I wonder people aren't killed every day. The boy said the horse was running away, and he couldn't hold it in; but there's no knowing whether he spoke the truth.
"And Mr. Bateson stooped over Mr. Groates, and looked into his face and felt his pulse, and we all waiting round, not knowing whatever was going to happen. And Mr. Gilbert said something quite low, so as I couldn't catch it, and Mr. Bateson shook his head, and said, says he, 'Quite dead!' That's what he said, as plain as I'm speaking now. 'Dead!' says he, and he seemed mighty sorry too."
"Jack's father dead!" Jessie broke out in bewilderment.
"That's what the doctor said; and Mr. Gilbert asked if he was sure, and if there wasn't just a chance, for I heard him. And Mr. Bateson said, no, nothing could be done, and Mr. Groates was killed. It was the blow on the head had killed him, he said. And then Miss Sophy Coxen came and asked if I wouldn't have her arm home, and I'm sure I don't know how I'd ever have got home without. It does give one a turn to see anybody killed like that. But she wouldn't come in, because she'd got to go and tell her sister, and she said maybe she'd be wanted. And Mr. Gilbert, he ran after me, and he says, 'This is awfully sad,' says he, 'and you can tell Miss Pattison,' says he."
"Yes, I will go to them at once." Mildred said, as if in answer to a call. Then she looked at Jessie. "Unless you wish it," she added. "Dear Jessie, you have a sort of right,—but I think I could be of more use, just at first. If you will stay and take care of your aunt."
"Oh I couldn't help—with him," Jessie said, with a shudder. "I should be afraid."