Barbara Stafford entered the room, and went up to the excited housewife.
"I come at an untimely hour," she said, pushing the red hood back from her face, "but it could not be helped."
"Sit down, sit down, and take off your things," said the housewife, greatly relieved, for she had learned to love the gentle lady, and believed in her.
"Sit down. We have had tea long ago, but Jase shall rake open the fire, and hang on the kettle in no time."
"No, no, it is impossible! I cannot wait," answered the lady, resisting Mrs. Brown's effort to unclasp her cloak. "A few words only and I must go back again."
"What! to-night?"
"Yes, at once."
"To Boston—to the governor's house?" questioned Goody Brown.
"No, no, farther than that. I have a long ride through the woods."
"Through the woods!" exclaimed four voices at once. "Why, they swarm with wild beasts and savage Indians!"