“‘Madam ordered me to obey her, sir.’

“‘Madam?’

“‘Yes, sir.’

“‘Where is she?’

“‘In the carriage, sir. As soon as I got back, she came down to the door—ordered me to drive her to you—and I was obliged to do so, sir.’

“‘Good,’ I said, ‘you have done well.’

And opening the door of the carriage, through the glass of which I saw the pale face of the woman, I entered it, directing the coachman to drive to the ‘Hicksford Crossing.’

A hoarse, but defiant voice at my side said:—

“‘Where is Mr. Mortimer?’

“‘Gone over the river,’ I said, laughing, ‘and we are going, too.’