"Oh, let them come!" Agnes said, "they are my friends. Go and fetch them, Peter; I must go to Aunt Patience." And she ran across the court-yard, not heeding the groups of sailors who instinctively moved on one side to let her pass. Old Martha followed her as fast as she could, but Agnes ran on through the great vestibule. Her foot was on the first step of the stairs when a hand was laid on her shoulder, and looking up she saw Parson Ewan.
"Agnes!" he exclaimed.
"Aunt Patience--take me to Aunt Patience!" she cried, not heeding him.
"Come!" said Parson Ewan; and they went quickly on together, without speaking.
They paused at the door of Patience's sitting-room.
"Agnes," said the parson, "your aunt has been ill--very ill, indeed; and the last few days have tried her beyond measure. We must be careful. Jessie is with her. I will call her out, and I will go into your aunt and tell her you are here."
"Be quick, then," said Agnes. "Joy does not kill; she will get well now I am here."
She had raised her voice a little, and as the door of the room opened, a voice they both knew called out:
"Agnes, Agnes!"
"She has heard me," said the girl, and, running forward, she found herself in Patience's arms.