Rhoda's heart dropped as she guessed their errand. To her a word from Christian were enough; but what solemnest oath, what evidence short of Philip's self, would convince these?
They were knocking, while still her countenance was out of command; and when they asked for Christian, her wits were so troubled, that she said lamely, 'It is Christmas Eve; can you want him now?
'Wait then—I will go—wait here, and he will come.'
When she passed out and turned the wall, she knew by the sound of feet that two had started to go about the contrary way to make against any escape. At the linhay door she knocked, again getting an impatient answer.
'Christian, come out, or let me in. You must.'
He came out and closed the door, keeping his hand upon it while she told.
'I cannot come. Go, say I cannot come; I will not!' and desperately impatient his hand beat upon the door.
'You must,' she said, and her white face and shaking voice went far to convince him. 'I think you must. O Christian, don't you know why they come?'
He looked at her blankly.
'To ask after Philip.'