"Are you ready?" he said, addressing the shadow.
"One moment, please," said Laura. She was tying a thick veil round her hat, and struggling with the fastenings of her cloak.
Mrs. Mason looked from one to another like a baffled lioness. But to let them go without a word was beyond her. She turned to the Squire.
"Misther Helbeck!—yo'll tell me on your conscience—as it's reet and just—afther aw that's passt—'at this yoong woman should go wi yo?"
Laura shivered with rage and shame. Her fingers hastened. Mr. Helbeck showed no emotion whatever.
"Mrs. Fountain is dying," he said briefly; and again his eye—anxious, imperious—sought for the girl. She came hastily forward from the shadows of the kitchen.
Mr. Helbeck mounted the cart, and held out his hand to her.
"Have you got a shawl? The wind is very keen!" He spoke with the careful courtesy one uses to a stranger.
"Thank you—I am all right. Please let us go! Cousin Elizabeth!" Laura threw herself backwards a moment, as the cart began to move, and kissed her hand.
Mrs. Mason made no sign. She watched the cart, slowly picking its way over the rough ground of the farm-yard, till it turned the corner of the big barn and disappeared in the gusty darkness.