She ran like a wild thing, her little, slim legs skimming the ground like a bird's, almost as if assisted by wings.
When the train reached the station, Maria climbed in, Wollaston and Gladys after her.

Neither Wollaston nor Gladys had the slightest premeditation in the matter; they were fairly swept along by the emotion of their companion.
When the train had fairly started, Gladys, who had seated herself beside Maria, while Wollaston was in the seat behind them, heaved a deep sigh of bewilderment and terror.

"My!" said she.
Wollaston also looked pale and bewildered.

He was only a boy, and had never been thrown much upon his own responsibility.

All that had been uppermost in his mind was the consideration that Maria could not be stopped, and she must not go alone to New York.