The sea still remained calm. In the stillness of the moorland solitude on the western side of “The Clink,” the rapid steps of a horse were heard at some little distance on the highroad.
Emily ran out, followed by careful Mrs. Ellmother, expecting to meet Mirabel.
She was disappointed: it was the groom who had returned. As he pulled up at the house, and dismounted, Emily noticed that the man looked excited.
“Is there anything wrong?” she asked.
“There has been an accident, miss.”
“Not to Mr. Mirabel!”
“No, no, miss. An accident to a poor foolish woman, traveling from Lasswade.”
Emily looked at Mrs. Ellmother. “It can’t be Mrs. Rook!” she said.
“That’s the name, miss! She got out before the train had quite stopped, and fell on the platform.”
“Was she hurt?”