“‘Lo, as a careful housewife runs to catch
One of her feathered creatures broke away!’”
“Yes, but I think that if we were to spread something over the top of the box they will not break away,” said Sophy. “Charlbury’s driving coat will answer famously! You do not object, Charlbury?”
“Yes, Sophy, I do object!” he said firmly, removing the garment from her hands.
“Very well, then — ” She stopped, for Tina had lifted her head, her ears on the prick, and had uttered a sharp bark. The sound of horses and of carriage wheels was heard. Sophy turned to Mr. Fawnhope, saying quickly, “Augustus, pray will you step into the kitchen — you will find it at the end of the passage at the back there — and desire Mrs. Clavering to give you a cloth, or a blanket, or some such thing? You need not make haste to return, for I daresay Sancia would like you to pluck a chicken!”
“Is the Marquesa in the kitchen?” said Mr. Fawnhope. “What is she doing there? I wish her to see this book I have found in the library!”
Sophy picked it up from the table and gave it to him. “Yes, pray show it to her! She will like it excessively! Pay no heed if you should chance to hear the doorbell. I will open the door!”
She fairly thrust him toward the door at the back of the hall, and, having seen him safely through it, shut it, and said in a conspiratorial voice, “Cecilia! Take care of the ducklings!”
She was still holding the one she had picked up, when she set the front door wide. The rain had stopped, and the moonlight showed through a break in the clouds. Hardly had Sophy opened the door than her cousin almost fell upon her neck. “Sophy! Oh, my dearest Sophy — No, it was too shocking of you! You must have known I could not wish — Sophy, Sophy, how could you do such a thing?”
“Cecy, pray take care! This poor little duckling! Oh, good God! Miss Wraxton!”