Then he recollected the wish of his subordinate, and turned round and said-- 'Now go with thy cousin and her friend.

Hester is here, and old Hannah.

I myself will take Hester home, if need be.

But for the present I think she had best tarry here, as it isn't many steps to her mother's house, and we may need her help if any of those poor creatures fall into suffering wi' their violence.' With this, Mr.John knocked at the door of the parlour, and waited for permission to enter.

With old-fashioned courtesy he told the two strangers how glad he was that his room had been of service to them; that he would never have made so bold as to pass through it, if he had been aware how it was occupied.