“Fred love! God will take care of them.” But Selina herself grew pale.
“And is it true that Miss Tessie was sent away to the convent without a word to you two?” went on Dixen. “I’m sore feared that something must have happened to the master, or they would never have dared to do that.”
“But it cannot be that, Dixen. For the boys must have been there a long time. They were never sent back, I suppose,” said Frederica.
“And we have heard nothing from papa for a fortnight,” said Selina.
“It does not look well,” said Dixen. “But, children dear, you are not to fret. The boys are safe enough. No harm can come to them. We are living in the Queen’s dominions, thank God, and evil things can only be done in secret. And, Miss Fred dear, you should go to Mrs Brandon, and tell her about Miss Tessie and the little lads. And somebody that is wise in the law should be told. I would have gone myself, but nobody would heed such a story from the like of me. I am sore feared that no good is meant to you all. And the priests are everywhere, and have the means of making men do their will, that we know nothing of. Only here they must keep things quieter than in some places. But don’t let them smuggle you all off without a word. They will tell you it is your souls they would save, but it is your grandfather’s money they want as well. And here is that soft-spoken nun coming to hear what I may be saying. Be sure you go to your sister this very day.”
In his increasing excitement the old man used some words that are not put down, and he went muttering to himself away.
“Here is Miss Agnace,” said Frederica.
“We must be very quiet, and let her see nothing. Let us walk round the other way to the house,” said Selina.
“And I will go to Caroline. Anything is better than to sit still and think about it,” said Frederica excitedly.
They walked very quietly into the house, and went to their room.