But Duncan was so terrified that he had no reasoning power left in him. Even when the carriage came in sight he would not have been a bit surprised to have seen the crofter and his shrewish wife jump out of it.
Instead of that, however, the carriage contained a very fashionably-dressed, rich-looking lady and gentleman. Elsie could see directly that they were gentlefolk, who would never think of hurting two little children. She resolved to speak to them.
"the carriage drew up close by them" ([p. 131])
They were certainly in fortune's way. The carriage drew up close by them, and a dainty voice asked—
"Children, can you tell us if we are on the right road to Killochrie?"
"I don't think you are, ma'am," Elsie replied, in her best manner.
"Oh dear!" the lady exclaimed; "how annoying when we are in such haste! Can you direct us?"
"There's a road right over there leads to it," Elsie replied, pointing with her hand.
"But how do we get on to the road? Does this one meet it anywhere? Driver, don't you know?"