Before Mrs. Gower could reply, she heard Gipsy's foot in the passage. Going out, she caught her by the arm and drew her into the room. Then before the young lady could recover from her astonishment at this summary proceeding, she had unfastened her dress, pulled it down off her left shoulder, and displayed a deep-red cross.
Recovering herself, Gipsy sprang back, exclaiming indignantly:
"What in the name of all that's impolite, has got into you, Aunty Gower? Pretty work this, pulling the clothes off a lady's back without even saying, by your leave."
But Mrs. Donne had seen the mark, and fell back, with a stifled cry.
"That's it! that's it exactly! She's the child saved, after all."
"Why, whose child am I now?" said the astonished Gipsy.
"Can you describe the shawl the child you speak of was wrapped in?" inquired Mrs. Gower, without giving her time to answer Gipsy's question.
"Yes, that I can—it was my own wedding shawl, as my blessed husband, who is now an angel up above, bought for me afore we were married. It was bright red with a white border, and the letters J. D. (which stands for Jane Donne) in one corner, and the letters J. D. (which stands for James Donne) in t'other," replied Mrs. Donne, with animation.
Mrs. Gower sank into a seat and covered her face with her hands; while Gipsy stood gazing from one to the other in the utmost perplexity.
"What does all this mean?" she asked, at length.