Again, in a lower and more timid voice, she repeated his name.
Without turning, he said: "Miss Vosburgh, I'm on guard. You interfere with my duty. There is no reason for further courtesies between us. If you are sufficiently calm, aid Mrs. Borden in packing such belongings as she actually needs. She must leave this house as soon as possible."
"What!" cried the girl, hotly, "send this faithful old woman out into the streets? Never."
"I did not say, 'out into the streets.' When your father comes one of his first efforts will be to send her to a place of safety. No doubt he has already warned her son to find a hiding-place."
"Great heavens! why don't you explain?"
"What chance have I had to explain? Ah! come here, and all will be plain enough."
She stood at his side and saw a gang of men and boys' chasing a colored man, with the spirit of bloodhounds in their tones and faces.
"Now I'se understan', too, Mass'r Merwyn," said the trembling colored woman, looking over their shoulders.
"Go back," he said, sternly. "If you were seen, that yelling pack of fiends would break into this house as if it were paste-board. Obey orders, both of you, and keep out of sight."
Awed, overwhelmed, they stole to the back parlor; but Marian soon faltered, "O Mr. Merwyn, won't you forgive me?"