Can you be prepared for that, Lucia ?" "In an hour, mamma, if necessary.

I only wish now to be far away from here." Her mother's look rested on her sadly.

"I do but ask for the delay of a week or two," she said.
But next day, when Mr.Strafford made his inquiry, he brought back news that three or four weeks' delay might be perfectly safe.

Christian was, indeed, in the lumberer's employ, but the gang to which he was attached had started for the woods, and would not return for a month.

By that time it would be easy to leave the Cottage without hurry, and without attracting unnecessary attention..