Never did I feel my incapacity more than on that strange night, when Emily was flying about with Martyn to all the doors and windows in a wild state of excitement, humming to herself—
‘When the dawn on the mountain was misty and gray,
My true love has mounted his steed and away.’
My mother was equally restless, prolonging as much as possible the preparation of rooms for possible guests; and when she did come and sit down, she netted her purse with vehement jerks, and scolded Emily for jumping up and leaving doors open.
At last, after an hour according to the clock, but far more by our feelings, wheels were heard in the distance; Emily was off like a shot to reconnoitre, and presently Martyn bounced in with the tidings that a pair of carriage lamps were coming up the drive. My mother hurried out into the hall; I made my best speed after her, and found her hastily undoing the door-chain as she recognised the measured, courteous voice of old Mr. Fordyce. In a moment more they were all in the house, the old gentleman giving his arm to his daughter-in-law, who was quite overcome with distress and alarm; then came his tall, slim granddaughter, carrying her little sister with arms full of dolls, and sundry maid-servants completed the party of fugitives.
‘We are taking advantage of Mr. Winslow’s goodness,’ said the old Rector. ‘He assured us that you would be kind enough to receive those who would only be an encumbrance.’
‘Oh, but I must go back to Frank now that you and the children are safe,’ cried the poor lady. ‘Don’t send away the carriage; I must go back to Frank.’
‘Nonsense, my dear,’ returned Mr. Fordyce, ‘Frank is in no danger. He will get on much better for knowing you are safe. Mrs. Winslow will tell you so.’
My mother was enforcing this assurance, when the little girl’s sobs burst out in spite of her sister, who had been trying to console her. ‘It is Celestina Mary,’ she cried, pointing to three dolls whom she had carried in clasped to her breast. ‘Poor Celestina Mary! She is left behind, and Ellen won’t let me go and see if she is in the carriage.’
‘My dear, if she is in the carriage, she will be quite safe in the morning.’
‘Oh, but she will be so cold. She had nothing on but Rosella’s old petticoat.’