The rain had ceased and the clouds had parted as with the promise of clearing off entirely. A few stars were shining out.
“Come; not so bad a night after all. I have been out in worse. And as soon as we get upon dry land again, I think I will climb up on top and take a smoke. Eh, what do you say, Aunty? Shall I help you up also? I know you’d like your pipe!” said Dick.
“I scorn your insiniwations, sir, and I ’vises of you, if you is agoing out in the damp night air, as you’d better take care and not get cold in your ‘raw head and bloody bones,’ as you was a-complaining of.”
“Thanks for your caution, Aunty. I shall be sure to profit by it,” laughed Dick.
And then as the coach was slowly crawling out of the mud that bordered the shallow stream, he called the coachman to halt.
“I wish to get up on top,” said Dick.
And when the man complied with his wishes, Dick left his seat and went up.
There now remained two other passengers besides Drusilla and her attendant. These were two gentlemen that occupied the corners of the front seat, with their backs to the horses. But they sat so quietly that but for their breathing and an occasional cough or low-toned word, mammy would have been unconscious of their presence.
And now Drusilla bent forward and cautiously touched the nurse, and whispered:
“Mammy, come and sit by me. I have something to say to you. Don’t answer me aloud, but do as I tell you.”