journey, as we must be gone before the dawn; but in my
present state of nervous excitement that was entirely out of the
question. It was equally out of the question to sit, or wander about my
room, counting the hours and the minutes between me and the appointed
time of action, straining my ears and trembling at every sound, lest
someone should discover and betray us after all. I took up a book and
tried to read: my eyes wandered over the pages, but it was impossible to
bind my thoughts to their contents. Why not have recourse to the old
expedient, and add this last event to my chronicle? I opened its pages
once more, and wrote the above account--with difficulty, at first, but
gradually my mind became more calm and steady. Thus several hours have
passed away: the time is drawing near; and now my eyes feel heavy and my
frame exhausted. I will commend my cause to God, and then lie down and
gain an hour or two of sleep; and then!--

Little Arthur sleeps soundly. All the house is still: there can be no
one watching. The boxes were all corded by Benson, and quietly conveyed
down the back stairs after dusk, and sent away in a cart to the M--
coach-office. The name upon the cards was Mrs. Graham, which appellation
I mean henceforth to adopt. My mother's maiden name was Graham, and
therefore I fancy I have some claim to it, and prefer it to any other,
except my own, which I dare not resume.

CHAPTER XLIV

October 24th.--Thank heaven, I am free and safe at last. Early we rose,
swiftly and quietly dressed, slowly and stealthily descended to the hall,
where Benson stood ready with a light, to open the door and fasten it
after us. We were obliged to let one man into our secret on account of
the boxes, &c. All the servants were but too well acquainted with their
master's conduct, and either Benson or John would have been willing to
serve me; but as the former was more staid and elderly, and a crony of
Rachel's besides, I of course directed her to make choice of him as her
assistant and confidant on the occasion, as far as necessity demanded, I
only hope he may not be brought into trouble thereby, and only wish I
could reward him for the perilous service he was so ready to undertake.
I slipped two guineas into his hand, by way of remembrance, as he stood
in the doorway, holding the candle to light our departure, with a tear in
his honest grey eye, and a host of good wishes depicted on his solemn
countenance. Al