As there were none a-light,
he waited some moments; as he did so, there came an answer from the
figure opposite,--
"I am Mistress Penwick's waiting-woman." The answer was satisfactory
to the guard.
"'Tis Janet, as I live," interrupted Lady Constance. She was not sorry
to have a companion of her own sex, and Janet would make herself
generally useful, if the ride was long and her ladyship should fall
ill, as she was certain to do. She knew also Janet's motive for
following her. She was interested in nothing but her mistress.
As the road seemed rough and endless, Constance became anxious of her
destination and began to inquire, as if in great anger, why she
was thus taken and for what purpose. All questions being answered
perfunctorily, she relaxed into silence. At last she asked broadly,--
"Where are we to stop for refreshment, man; I am near dead with
fatigue?"
"We stop at Hornby's Inn, my lady, there to meet his Grace."
Janet sat quiet, nor did she speak again until she stood before
Mistress Penwick at the inn, where she sailed in as if nothing in the
world had happened, but inwardly she fairly wept with joy to find her
nurseling happy and unharmed.
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