It is commonly known now that both were beings of uncommon endowment, and so kin and kind were they, that they appeared to live, as it were, a twin life.
When we went into the cottage I found waiting to welcome me several men and women servants—a small crowd of much more than ordinary comeliness. Langler said then to me: "have you heard about my poor friend?"
It was nothing new for him to speak so of his servant, so I knew that he referred to Robinson, and replied: "I have heard something. Can't you form any idea what has become of him?"
"No idea so far," he answered; "I am giving my mind to it."
"He should be found, then," I said; at which Langler smiled.
Miss Emily was rather behind us in the passage, and at that moment I heard her say: "Aubrey, here is John running after us with something."
I turned, and saw this John pelting up the boards embedded in the soil which served as steps from the bridge to the cottage. He held a spade in the left hand and some object on the right palm; Langler turned to him; and at once I saw that the thing on the man's palm lived, fluttered a wing, was a bird.
"What!" said Langler, "a wren?"
"Why, it is ill," said Miss Emily.
"I found it caught in the vine tendrils, miss," said John.