The old man rose and hobbled out after her. He followed her to the gate.
"I will wait while you get your hat. I am coming with you," he said. "We cannot rest, Hester, neither you nor I."
Mrs. John was dozing in her chair as she generally did in the afternoon. She opened her eyes and said, "Are you going for a walk, dear?" then closed them tranquilly again. The very atmosphere in the brown wainscotted parlour breathed of peace and quiet uncongenial with any such throbbings as those in Hester's heart. She joined the old man, who was waiting for her at the door, and they went on together, saying little. The great window in the Grange where Catherine usually sat commanding the road was vacant. There was a certain deserted air about the place. They knew without a word that Catherine was still out of it.
"It is too far for you to go," Hester said.
Though they had not spoken for a long time they understood each other à demi-mot.
"It is too far for me," said he, "but what does that matter? everything will soon be too far for me. Let me go on while I can."
They walked as far as the bank, where their anxious eyes made out the people lingering about, the air of curiosity and excitement. Old Captain Morgan hobbled up to Mr. Merridew, who was making his way out with a serious face. "You will excuse me for my anxiety, sir," he said, "but will you tell me if Miss Vernon is there, and what is going on?"
"That is an easy question you are asking me," said Mr. Merridew, eying him closely; "certainly Miss Vernon is there."
"I am her near relation," said the old man, "and you are connected with her by marriage."