Page:Ethel Churchill 2.pdf/307

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ETHEL CHURCHILL.
305

claimed she, springing in without assistance; and, throwing herself back, drew the hood of her mantle over her face.

Her favourite woman followed her in silence; she saw that the advice and directions with which she was generally ready, would not even be heard. Like the other servants, she was awed by her mistress's pale and speechless despair. During the whole of the journey, Henrietta never spoke but twice, and that was to urge the attendants to speed. Now and then a slight shudder passed through her frame; it was when the image of her uncle rose too painfully distinct before her: she dared not ask even herself, should she see him again?

On Lord Marchmont's return, he, too, was struck with the unusual appearance of confusion in his hall; but anger was his predominant sensation when he heard that Henrietta had actually set off without waiting one moment.

"She must be mad!" exclaimed he, "to