brothers went out into the fresh evening air together, their
aunt Dora watching them from the window with inexpressible anxiety;
for perhaps it was not quite right for a clergyman to saunter out of
doors in the evening with such a doubtful member of society as Jack;
and perhaps Frank, having himself fallen into evil ways, might hinder
or throw obstacles in the way of his brother's re-establishment in the
practice of all the virtues. Miss Dora, who had to carry them both
upon her shoulders, and who got no sympathy in the present case from
her hard-hearted sisters, was fain at last to throw a shawl over her
head and steal out to that summer-house which was built into the
garden-wall, and commanded Grange Lane from its little window. There
she established herself in the darkness, an affectionate spy. There
ought to have been a moon that night, and accordingly the lamps were
not lighted at that end of Grange Lane, for the authorities in
Carlingford bore a frugal mind. But the sky had become cloudy, and the
moon shone only at intervals, which gave a certain character of
mystery and secrecy to the night. Through this uncertain light the
anxious woman saw her two nephews coming and going under the window,
apparently in the most eager conversation. Miss Dora's anxiety grew to
such a height that she opened softly a chink of the window in hopes of
being able to hear as well as to see, but that attempt was altogether
unsuccessful. Then, when they had walked about for half an hour, which
looked like two hours to Miss Dora, who was rapidly taking one of her
bad colds at the half-open window, they were joined by another figure
which she did not think she had ever seen before. The excitement was
growing tremendous, and the aspect of the three conspirators more and
more alarming, when the poor lady started with a little scream at a
noise behind her, and turning round, saw her maid, severe as a
pursuing Fate, standing at the door. "After giving me your word as you
wouldn't come no more?" said the reproachful despot who swayed Miss
Dora's soul. After that she had to make the best of her way indoors,
thankful not to be carried to her room and put into hot water, which
was the original intention of Collins. But it would be impossible to
describe the emotions of Miss Dora's mind after this glimpse into the
heart of the volcano on which her innocent feet were standing. Unless
it were murder or high treason, what could they have to plot about?