I said, “Oh, Father! why must you go forth? is there any pressing Occasion?”
“Why, yes, there is,” said he, “for a Man who owes me Money is going to make the Plague a Pretext for leaving the Country, and has succeeded, I understand, in getting a clean Bill of Health.”
I said, “Let it be, if it be no great Matter.”
“Nay,” he said gently, “it is a great Matter to People in our Condition, with whom Trade is at a Stand-still. I have not yet held aloof from any necessary Affairs, but I give you my Word I will run no needless Risks.”
And so was going forth, when I said, “There is a little white on your shoulder,” and brushed it off with my Apron. When I had done it, he turned about and kissed me.
We were to have Bacon and Eggs that Day. I had a Presentiment he would be after his Time, in spite of what he had said, and told Dolly not to fry them till he came in. Hour after Hour passed, long after Dinner-time, and still he came not. Then I grew troubled, and kept looking along the Bridge.
At last, when it was growing dusk, I put on my Hood and went to the Bridge Gate. I said to the Gate-keeper, “Did you see my Father pass the Gate this Morning, Master Princeps?”
“Yes, Mistress Cherry, I did,” returned he, “more by Token he said he was going either through or to Lime Street, I forget which.”
I said, “I can’t think why he don’t come back.”
“Oh!” says he, “he’ll be back presently,” which, though spoken entirely at random, yet being uttered in a cheerful Tone, somewhat heartened me, and I returned Home.