w.

'She said they'd burn the house next, or try to, and then the mills; and
that's what they will do, and very likely it'll be this night; and if it
isn't, it'll be to-morrow or the next day. And now perhaps you'll come
home with me,' Nancy wound up.

'Indeed I won't! Fancy leaving friends when they are in such trouble!'
Horatia exclaimed.

'You won't help them by staying. I know you've done some good; but it
hasn't helped, after all, and Miss Sarah's gone off and left you, and it
isn't the proper place for you at all.'

'I wonder where she is. Do you know, Nanny?' inquired Horatia, for she
had been wondering about this ever since she had turned round in the
motor to speak to Sarah, and had found that she had vanished.

'No, miss, I don't. I supposed you'd know. At any rate, she had no call
to go away at such a time, and leave you alone to take charge of her ma,
and all these dreadful things happening. I'm sure her ladyship will blame
me for not bringing you away at once; and if anything should
happen'--here Nancy threw up her hands in horror as she wound up, 'I
should never forgive myself--never, whatever the mistress might do.'

'As we're both going to be burned in our beds, according to you, you
won't have to try to forgive yourself,' observed Horatia.

'Don't talk so dreadful callous, Miss Horatia; and, if you don't mind for
yourself, you might consider me that you're running into danger,'
protested Nancy. Not that she cared about herself half so much as she did
for her young charge; but because she thought this argument might have
some weight with Horatia, who always thought of others before herself.

'You needn't stop if you're afraid. I shall write to mother to-night and
ask her to let me stay alone,' announced Horatia.

'Miss!' cried Nancy reproachfully.

Horatia gave a little laugh. 'Oh dear! there's nothing to laugh at, only
it always seems easier for me to laugh than to cry, or else I should cry
now. It is dreadful to think that all this money is wasted,' she said.

'It isn't wasted yet, and perhaps Mr Clay will see reason, though they
say he's wonderful obstinate; and if I was you, miss, I'd not meddle any
more. You meant well, no doubt; but, you see, you're very young, and it
hasn't done much good, after all; and it's best not to interfere in other
folk's business.'

The tears rose to Horatia's eyes. 'I know that. In fact, I'm afraid I've
done harm, and that's one of the reasons I must stop,'