Mistress Newbolt appeared on the steps, and Reginald hastened to help her into the coach. Many of the servants had followed her, and were weeping. Although she was a stern mistress, she was a just one, and they all respected her.
"Delarry," said Reginald, before following his mother into the coach, "will you see my sister to Somerset House? She cannot stay here alone, and neither my mother nor myself can be back before nightfall."
"If she will allow me to do so, I shall esteem it a favour," said Delarry. "And, Reginald, let me know if I can be of any use to you; I am at your service."
"Many thanks!" said Reginald. "It is something to feel that one has a friend in these hard times." The two young men shook hands, Reginald took his place beside his mother, and they drove away. Ann went slowly back to the house, Delarry following her.
"Shall you go at once to Somerset House?" he asked.
"In about an hour," she answered. "I must put my mother's room in order, and attend to a few household duties. But do not let me detain you; my own woman will accompany me."
"You would not grieve me thus?" said Delarry. "I esteem it a high honour to have been asked to take care of you."
"Very well," said Ann, "come back in an hour, and I will be ready."
He did so, and accompanied her the short distance from Drury Lane to Somerset House. They made no haste, for they liked each other's society.
When they reached Somerset House they found Patience and Agnes on the terrace taking their mid-day airing.