The
excitement which attended the rescue saved the couple an uncomfortable
ten minutes. Eleanor went to the assistance of the distracted mother;
Windomshire, in his eagerness to do something, offered to exchange
clothes with the dripping trainman; the small boy howled as lustily as
his wheezy lungs would permit. Everybody shouted advice to the mother,
rebukes to the boy, and praise to the hero; altogether Providence was
acting most handsomely.
At last the final boatload of passengers crossed the river and drew up
at the landing; Eleanor, with her bewildered fiance, stepped into the
beaming presence of Mrs. Van Truder.
"Come with us," she said with a friendliness that shattered all hope.
"Mr. Van Truder has just arranged for breakfast at that farmhouse over
there. The relief train won't be here for half an hour or more and you
must be famished." Eleanor's flimsy excuses were unavailing; her
protestations that she could not eat a mouthful fell on obdurate ears.
Windomshire, catching sight of the forlorn Anne, was about to assert
himself vigorously in declining the invitation when a meaning look
from the governess caused him to refrain.
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