“No, there is nothing the matter, dear,” said Mrs. Varney. “Martha,” she said to the old servant who had come in response to her ring, “I want you to go home with Miss Mitford. You must not go alone, dear. Good-night.”
“Thank you very much, Mrs. Varney,” answered Caroline. “Come, Martha.” As she turned, she hesitated. “You don’t reckon she could go with me somewhere else, do you?”
“Why, where else do you want to go at this hour, my dear girl?” asked Mrs. Varney.
“Just to—to the telegraph office,” answered Caroline.
Mr. Arrelsford, who had been waiting with ill-concealed impatience during this dialogue, started violently.
“Now!” exclaimed Mrs. Varney in great surprise, not noticing the actions of her latest guest. “At this time of night?”
“Yes,” answered Caroline, “it is on very important business, and—I——”
“Oh,” returned Mrs. Varney, “if that is the case, Martha must go with you.”
“You know we haven’t a single servant left at our house,” Caroline said in explanation of her request.
“I know,” said Mrs. Varney, “and, Martha, don’t leave her for an instant.”