at they might know it."

"Now, ladies, 'tis high time to set forth," called my Uncle Charles's
voice from the hall; and I was glad to hear it. I and Hatty ran off at
once, but I could not but catch my Aunt Kezia's parting words,--

"God bless you, Madam, and I thank you for all your kindness. And when
I next see you, I hope you will know it."

We drove to Snow Hill in Grandmamma's coach, and took our seats
(bespoken some days back) in the flying machine, where our company was
two countrywomen with baskets, a youth that looked very pale and
cadaverous, and wore his hair uncommon long, a lady in very smart
clothes, and a clergyman in his cassock. My Uncle Charles bade us
farewell very kindly, and wished us a safe journey. Mr Raymond was
there also, and he bade God bless us. Somehow, in all the bustle, I had
not a right chance to take leave of Ephraim. The coach set forth rather
sooner than I expected, while Flora and I were charging Mr Raymond with
messages to Annas; and he had only time to step back with a bow and a
smile. I looked for Ephraim, but could not even see him. I was so
sorry, and I thought of little else until we got to Uxbridge.

At Uxbridge we got out, and went into the inn to dine at the ordinary,
which is always spread ready for the coming of the flying machine on a
Wednesday. As I sat down beside my Aunt Kezia, a man came and took the
chair on the other side of me.

"Tired, Cary?" he said, to my amazement.

"Ephraim!" I cried. "Wherever have you come from?"

"Did you think I had taken up my abode in London?" said he, looking
diverted.

"But I thought you went after some business," I said, feeling very much
puzzled that he should be going home just now, and leaving poor Annas in
all her trouble.

"I did," he answered. "Business gets done some time. It would be a sad
thing if it did not. Will you have some of this rabbit pie?"

I accepted the pie, for I did not care what I had.

"Then your business is done?" I said, in some surprise.

His business could hardly have any connection with Annas, in that case.
It must be real business--something that concerned his father.

"Yes, Cary; my business was finished last night, so I was just in time
to come with you." And the look of fun came into his eyes again.

"Oh, I am glad!" said I. "I wondered how my Aunt Kezia would manage all
by herself."

"Had you three made up your minds to be particularly naughty?" asked he,
laughing.