Wherein the black Prince arrives opportunely.
The yellow door, as the old woman had said, was not to be mistaken. Again Ellen dismounted and knocked; then she heard a slow step coming along the entry, and the pleasant, kind face of Miss Janet appeared at the open door. It was a real refreshment, and Ellen wanted one.
"Why, it's dear little ain't it? her that lives down to Miss Fortune Emerson's? yes, it is; come in, dear; I'm very glad to see you. How's all at your house?"
"Is the doctor at home, Ma'am?"
"No, dear, he ain't to home just this minute, but he'll be in directly; Come in; is that your horse? just hitch him to the post there, so he won't run away, and come right in. Who did you come along with?"
"Nobody, Ma'am I came alone," said Ellen, while she obeyed
Miss Janet's directions.
"Alone! on that 'ere little skittish creeter? he's as handsome as a picture, too why, do tell if you warn't afraid? it a'most scares me to think of it."
"I was a little afraid," said Ellen, as she followed Miss Janet along the entry "but I couldn't help that. You think the doctor will soon be in, Ma'am?"
"Yes, dear, sure of it," said Miss Janet, kissing Ellen and taking off her bonnet; "he won't be five minutes, for it's a'most dinner time. What's the matter, dear? is Miss Fortune sick again?"
"No, Ma'am," said Ellen, sadly, "Mr. Van Brunt has fallen through the trap-door in the barn and broken his leg."