She soon clambered up the steps into the little parlour where she had had her fortune told, and the key was turned upon her, and the horse jogged on again.
For some time Lizzie sat listening to the shaking furniture, and trying to still the throbbing of her head, which now began to ache violently. At last she lay down on the couch hoping to be able to sleep, but the shaking and bumping of the clumsy vehicle effectually prevented that.
At last, about ten o'clock, the whole cavalcade came to a standstill, after a few more bumps and shakes that threatened to overturn them every time, and then, looking out of the little window, Lizzie could see they were at the side of a large common, and preparations were being made for breakfast.
It did not disturb her at first that no one came to unfasten the door. She expected Mrs. Stanley would bring her breakfast as soon as it was ready. Of course they would not expect her to share in the rough-and-ready meal they would provide for themselves. Mrs. Stanley knew what was in store for her—the fortune that awaited her, and would contrive to get the meal as nicely served in consideration of her coming glory.
So Lizzie flattered herself, while she kept down the pangs of hunger which began to make themselves felt in spite of her headache. But an hour passed, and from the glimpse Lizzie could get from the window it seemed as though the meal was over, for boys and girls were lying about on the common, or helping to fetch water for the horses.
At last she concluded they must have forgotten her, and she began rattling the door to try and get out or attract attention. They must hear her, she felt sure, for women's voices sounded quite close; but it was some time before the door was opened.
Then Mrs. Stanley thrust in her head exclaiming, "Now then, what is it?"
Lizzie was annoyed. This was not the sort of greeting she expected to receive. "I should like some breakfast," she said, in a tone intended to be haughty and indignant.
"I daresay you would," said Mrs. Stanley with a short laugh, and then she shut and locked the door again, and left her prisoner to her meditations.
Lizzie waited and waited, but no breakfast came, and at last she lay down on the little sofa and cried herself to sleep.