It was getting dark, and a little way from the gate, on the road, she met Mr. Van Brunt.
"Why, I was beginning to get scared about you," said he. "I was coming to see where you was. How come you so late?"
Ellen made no answer, and as he now came nearer, and he could see more distinctly, his tone changed.
"What's the matter?" said he; "you han't been well! what has happened? what ails you, Ellen?"
In astonishment, and then in alarm, he saw that she was unable to speak, and anxiously and kindly begged her to let him know what was the matter, and if he could do anything. Ellen shook her head.
"Ain't Miss Alice well?" said he; "you han't heerd no bad news up there on the hill, have you?"
Ellen was not willing to answer this question with yea or nay.
She recovered herself enough to give him Alice's message.
"I'll be sure and go," said he; "but you han't told me yet what's the matter. Has anything happened?"
"No," said Ellen; "don't ask me she'll tell you don't ask me."
"I guess I'll go up the first thing in the morning then," said he "before breakfast."