"Come along, Biddy! There's plenty to be done.
Miss Isabel's room must be quite ready for her when she comes back, and Miss Bathurst's too.

We shall want boiling water--lots of it.

That's your job.

Come along!" He urged her gently to the stairs, and went up with her, holding her arm.
At the top she stopped and gave him an anguished look.

"Ah, Master Scott darlint, will the Almighty be merciful?
Will He bring her safe back again ?" He drew her gently on.