Madam Imbert returned to Jenkintown in time for supper, and, after a hearty meal, called at Cox's. She found no one at home but Mrs. Cox and the children. Mrs. Cox said her sister had not returned from her ride, and she feared that she must have met with some accident. Madam Imbert conversed with her until between eight and nine, when Josh. and Rivers came in.
Mrs. Cox said, "Josh., Mrs. Maroney has not reached home yet. I fear she has met with some accident."
"Hasn't she? Well, I'll go and hunt her up. Come along, Rivers."
"Josh., you good for nothing fellow. You must wait here; don't you know you should not leave the house unguarded at this time?"
"Oh!" thought Madam Imbert, "danger in leaving the house, eh! So there are two more in the secret,—Josh. and his wife!"
Josh. said he would only step down the road, and would soon return.
Nine o'clock came, but no Mrs. Maroney or De Forest. Madam Imbert did not know what to make of it, and began to think something unusual was under way. She arose to leave, but Mrs. Cox said: "Please don't leave me alone. Josh. will soon be back. Won't you stay down and watch the house, while I put the children to bed? Flora is asleep, and I am lonesome. I do wish that shiftless fellow would come home."
"I am very tired," remarked Madam Imbert, preparing to leave, "and am afraid the tavern will be closed, as it is getting late; but I will see if I can find Josh., and send him home."
"If you don't find him, please come back," pleaded Mrs. Cox.