CHAPTER XLIX
RENT ASUNDER
Winefred and her father were on their way to the down, passing up from Axmouth through Bindon, when Mrs. Jose appeared in the archway that gives access to the court, and saluted them.
She was in a condition of considerable perturbation, as was perceptible in her face, which mirrored the state of her mind.
Winefred, catching her hand, inquired breathlessly, 'What is the meaning of this? It is as though every one were on the cliffs. Surely not an invasion from France?'
'It is rabbits. They are running from the downs and the people are going on to it.'
'What is the matter?'
'I cannot tell. No one knows. Something is going to happen, and your mother has not returned.'
'My mother!'
'She went to the cottage with a carpet-bag to remove her knick-knacks, and has not come back. But perhaps she has got together men to carry the furniture and all the whole bag of tricks out of the house.'
'But why?'