I am
aware that the pretext is a meagre one, but I cannot at
present think of a better; and in her enfeebled state
she will not dwell upon the strangeness of the plea. Go
on then, I entreat you, and desire Catherine to collect
what you will want, while my men carry to the scow such
articles of furniture as will be most useful to you in
your new quarters. Quick, dear Maria, I implore you,
there has already been too much time lost, and I expect
every moment an order from Headley to return immediately."
Sensible of a pressing emergency. Miss Heywood, with a
beating heart, regained the cottage, in which so many
blissful hours had been passed within the last two years,
undisturbed by a care for the future, while the young
officer joining his men, left one to take care of the
arms of the party, and with the remainder hastened to
the house making as little noise as possible, in order
not to disturb the invalid. Having chosen such articles
of furniture as he knew Mrs. Elmsley was most deficient
in, and among these a couch and a couple of easy-chairs
(which latter indeed were the work of his own hands),
they were conveyed to the scow in two trips, and then
followed three or four trunks into which had been thrown,
without regard to order, such wearing apparel, and
necessaries of the toilet as the short period allowed
for preparation had permitted the agitated girl to put
together.
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