"More than three years ago. My brother Allan happened to come up to the spring-cart that had been upset, and the body and poor Amy were taken to Branxholm. Mr. Staunton was buried at the end of our garden, and Amy has been like a sister among us ever since."
"It was a shame that the people Mr. Staunton was going to did not take her home; and the English aunt, too, should have done something for the," said Mrs. Copeland; "but it was only their loss and your gain."
"What is your address—I mean your father's address—this Miss Staunton's address?" said Mr. Derrick, hesitating and stammering. "I must write to her. She should have written to me when she was left thus. I feel very much hurt that she did not, I cannot understand why she did not. Now, at least, I am my own master and can do as I like. I must have her brought back to England without delay."
Jessie looked aghast at this proposal. What would become of poor Allan, whose life she could not bear to think of as separated from Amy's, if this wealthy and powerful Squire summoned her home immediately? It was so much beyond Amy's own anticipations, and ran so directly counter to Jessie's wishes, that it was impossible to acquiesce in it without some demur.
