We knew that he
would be the most likely person to obtain my mother's consent, and he
really stood in the place of a father to me; while if we disclosed it
at once there was no knowing what my mother might not attempt in his
absence, and his mother would never permit us to be in opposition to
mine. She would not understand that, though I might not disobey my
mother, it was quite impossible that my feelings and opinions should
be guided by one of different religion, nation, and principles
altogether.
However, we agreed to write to my brother in Holland as soon as we
could find a safe conveyance, and when there were signs of waking on
the part of our companions we unlocked the hands that had been
clasping one another so tightly.
(Finished by Margaret.)
So you thought I was asleep, did you, Mistress Nan? I suppose after
all these years you will not be ready to box my ears for having
heard? It was no feigning; I really was so worn and wearied out that
I lay back on the cushions they had arranged for me in a sort of
assoupissement, only at first able to feel that I was safe, and that
Annora was with me. She says that I dropped her hand. Well, perhaps
I may have dozed for a moment, but it seems to me that I never lost
the knowledge of the sound of the wheels, nor of the murmuring
voices, though I could not stir, nor move hand nor foot, and though I
heard it all, it was not till I was lying in bed the next morning
that I recollected any part of it, and then it was more as if I had
dreamt it than as a reality.
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