And the woman to whom they were written moved restlessly from room to room, watching the storm and replying now and then to the disconsolate remarks of Evilena, who was doleful over the fact that everybody was too much occupied for conversation. Kenneth had shut himself up entirely, and all the others seemed to be in attendance on Mr. Loring. Captain Masterson was in and out, busy about his own affairs, and not minding the rain a particle, and she was full of questions concerning Captain Monroe, and why he had paid the brief visit to the library.
Judithe replied at random, scarcely hearing her chatter, and listening, listening each instant for his step or voice on the stair.
While she stood there, looking out at the low, dark 386 clouds, a step sounded in the hall and she turned quickly; it was only Pluto; ordinarily she would not have noticed him especially, but his eyes were directed to her in so peculiar a manner that she gave him a second glance, and perceived that he carried a book she had left on a table in her own room.
“Look like I can’t noway find right shelf fo’ this book,” he said, with some hesitation. “I boun’ to ax yo’ to show me whah it b’longs.”
She was about to do so, but when the door of the bookcase opened, he handed her the book instead of placing it where she directed.
“Maybe yo’ put it in thah fo’ me,” he suggested.
She looked at him, remembering she had told Pierson he could be trusted, and took the book without a word. Evilena was absorbed in Juliet’s woes, and did not look up.
Pluto muttered a “thank yo’,” and disappeared along the hall.
She took the book into the alcove before opening it, and found there what she had expected––a slip of paper with some pencilled marks. It was a cipher, from which she read, “All is right; we follow close on this by another road. Be ready. Lincoln”––she sank on her knees as she read the rest––“Lincoln has issued the proclamation of emancipation!”
It was Margeret who found her there a few minutes later. She was still kneeling by the window, her face covered by her hands.