I looked to Emma for the answer, at the same time keeping my hand tightly over my mouth for fear I should tell.
"We found more things of interest than we expected," said Emma, "consequently tarried longer than we should otherwise have done." "Why, how hoarse you be," said grandmother, while Sally continued, "Starlight is a mighty queer time to see things in." "Some things look better by starlight," answered Emma; "but we stayed longer than we ought to, for I have got a severe headache and must go immediately to bed." "Have some tea first," said grandmother.
"And some strawberries and cream," repeated Sally; but Emma declined both and went at once to her room.
Mr.Ashmore did not come home until late that night, for I was awake and heard him stumbling up-stairs in the dark.

I remember, too, of having experienced the very benevolent wish that he would break his neck! As I expected, Emma did not make her appearance at the breakfast table, but about ten she came down to the parlor and asked to see Mr.
Ashmore alone.

Of what occurred during that interval I never knew, except that at its close cousin looked very white, and Mr.Ashmore very black, notwithstanding which he soon took his accustomed walk to Captain Howard's.

He was gone about three hours, and on his return announced his intention of going to Boston in the afternoon train.

No one opposed him, for all were glad to have him go.
Just before he left, grandmother, who knew all was not right, said to him: "Young man, I wish you well; but mind what I say, you'll get your pay yet for the capers you've cut here." "I beg your pardon, madam," he returned, with much more emphasis on _madam_ than was at all necessary, "I beg your pardon, but I think she has cut the capers; at least she dismissed me of her own accord." I thought of what I had heard, but 'twas a secret, so I kept it safely, although I almost bit my tongue off in my zealous efforts.
After Ashmore was gone, Emma, who had taken a violent cold the evening before, took her bed, and was slightly ill for nearly a week.