An' for Peter broke de prison and de chain.
O! de angel of de Lord."
The servant was at work in an outer kitchen; the very words were clear. The gentle melody of the stanza was ended abruptly by the soft, triumphal shout of the last line.
Durgan made the laborers rest their burden within the doorway of the barn, while he went forward with the doctor. But now from the back door Hermione came. She was clad in the simple gray morning gown which she always wore at her housewife's duties; but she looked a shadow of herself, so pale and wan with the pain of the night. She came forward quickly. Durgan saw at a glance that she knew what Bertha could tell, and was ready to meet whatever evil was sufficient for the day. Even at such a moment, so selfless and courteous was she, she had a modest word of greeting and gratitude for Durgan.
Durgan made the doctor tell her the truth quickly, and Hermione went straight on to the side of the nerveless man.
Almost as soon as she looked, without a moment's betrayal of unusual emotion, she stooped and kissed him.
In thick utterance the paralytic repeated her name. What he thought or felt none might know; the still features gave no expression.
Then a great joy lit up her face, and the tone of her homely words was like a song of praise.
"We can keep you safe. You will be quite safe here; and Birdie and I will take real good care of you. We have a beautiful home ready for you."
The doctor had turned away. She gave her command to the bearers, and walked with new lightness beside the bed as it was carried toward the house.