But Eliza said, 'No, I must go on; I dare not stop. I can't sleep at
night: I can't rest. Last night I dreamed I saw that man come into the
yard.'
'Poor child,' said Rachel, the kind Quaker woman to whom she was
speaking, 'poor child, thee mustn't feel so. No slave that has run away
has ever been stolen from our village. It is safe here.'
While they were talking, Simeon, Rachel's husband, came to the door and
called, 'Wife, I want to speak to thee a minute.'
Rachel went out to him. 'Eliza's husband is here,' he said.
'Art thee sure?' asked Rachel, her face bright with joy.
'Yes, quite certain; he will be here soon. Will thee tell her?'
Rachel went back into the kitchen, where Eliza was sewing, and, opening
the door of a small bedroom, said gently, 'Come in here with me, my
daughter; I have news to tell thee.'
Eliza rose trembling, she was so afraid it was bad news.
'No, no! never fear thee. It's good news, Eliza,' said Simeon,
Rachel shut the door, and drew Eliza towards her. 'The Lord has been
very good to thee,' she said gently. 'Thy husband hath escaped, and will
be here to-night.'
'To-night!' repeated Eliza, 'to-night!'
Then it seemed as if the room and everything in it swam round her, and
she fell into Rachel's arms.
Very gently Rachel laid her down on the bed.
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