“Come, come,” said Mr. Fletcher, when the first burst of intelligence had been received and discussed, “we must lose no time in making our arrangements, for our lawyer friend will be here presently, and I shall take my departure to-morrow.”
“What arrangements?”
“Anna will remain with her father; and you, Mary, must go with me. Make no objection, my dear: on all accounts it is desirable that the exchange should be made, and my wife and daughters are looking anxiously for you.”
Mary was so far from making any objection, that she was rejoiced at the opportunity thus afforded to Anna of taking her share of the duty in which she felt so much pleasure. She withdrew with Anna into her own little cell, to prepare for her departure, and to introduce her sister to the scanty accommodations the place afforded. Anna shuddered as she looked round, and seemed more than half inclined to draw back; but of this her sister took no notice, though she inwardly compassionated her fears.
“Can you sleep here?” enquired Anna.
“O yes! very well. It is a very good mattress, and the room quite undisturbed by noise. There is no access to it, you see, but by my father’s room. I never slept better, though I had not such an easy mind as we may all have now.”
“You will come to-morrow, will not you?”
“Certainly, as soon as visitors are admitted. Our best way will be to take our place here by turns, day and day about. This will amuse my father most, and be best for us.”
Anna made no reply but by another timid look round.
Mary smiled as she continued: “You will find that my father has much to relate as well as you: I will leave it to him to tell you what we have been doing all this week. I shall think of you this evening talking so busily and comfortably together. It will do my father more good than any thing else could do, to hear all you have to tell him; for we know scarcely any thing yet of what our friends have been doing for us.”