"Dorking!"
The poor child shook with fright, and hid her face in her hands.
"Oh, you're taking me home," she cried, "and I did so trust you!"
"Dear lady," I said, "if your home is here, 'tis no fault of mine that you are back again. Remember, I beseech you, that you never told me where you lived, nor did I question you."
She took no heed of me, but wrung her hands and cast herself back against the cushions in despair.
"To come back after all!" she cried. "I was wicked to run away, I know, I know; but to come back the same day like a child-truant! I never really loved Mr. Northfield, but he persuaded, and persuaded, and flattered me, and at last I promised. I was to marry my cousin, whom I'd never seen, and I couldn't bear the thought of it. He was coming to-to-day, and he'll be at h-home n-now, and I shall h-have to m-marry him!"
I listened to this speech in blank amazement; but when it was ended I laughed aloud for joy of the light that broke upon me.
"You're un-k-kind to l-laugh," she sobbed.
"Unkind to you?" I cried, catching her hand. "What is your name, sweet mistress?"
"Audrey M-Mortimer," she said.