"You have come in good time, Miss Barker," he said. "If your cloak is dry throw it around her; even in this warmth she shivers."
Agnes looked back as she drew off her short cloak, and held the garment irresolutely in her hand.
"But you are wet and cold, too, wrap the cloak around yourself. What life can be more precious!"
She said this in a low voice, and moved towards him. He put the garment aside, and passing Agnes, stooped over Mrs. Harrington, addressing her in a grave, gentle voice.
"Are you stronger, now, dear lady?"
"I think so!" answered Mabel, moving uneasily, "but some one else is here—I heard speaking!"
"It was me," answered Agnes, spreading her cloak softly over Mabel; "I saw your peril, dear Mrs. Harrington, and came to offer help. My old nurse lives upon the hill—if you can walk so far, she will be glad to shelter you."
Mabel attempted to sit up. The presence of Agnes Barker excited her with new strength. She pushed aside the cloak with a feeling of repulsion, and looked pleadingly on Harrington.
"You will not take me up there!" she said. "It is a dreary, dreary place!"
"But it is the only shelter at hand," urged Harrington.