Ellen, dear, it's of no use to tire
ourselves out at once; we will go moderately. Keep hold of my
cloak, my child; it takes both of my arms to hold this big
cat. Now, never mind the snow; we can bear being blown about a
little; are you very tired?"
"No," said Ellen, "not very; I am a little tired; but I don't
care for that, if we can only get home safe."
"There's no difficulty about that, I hope. Nay, there may be
some _difficulty_, but we shall get there, I think, in good
safety after a while. I wish we were there now, for your sake,
my child."
"Oh, never mind me," said Ellen, gratefully; "I am sorry for
_you_, Miss Alice; you have the hardest time of it, with that
heavy load to carry; I wish I could help you."
"Thank you, my dear, but nobody could do that; I doubt if
Captain would lie in any arms but mine."
"Let me carry the basket, then," said Ellen, — "do, Miss
Alice."
"No, my dear, it hangs very well on my arm. Take it gently;
Mrs. Van Brunt's isn't very far off; we shall feel the wind
less when we turn."
But the road seemed long. The storm did not increase in
violence — truly there was no need of that — but the looked-
for turning was not soon found, and the gathering darkness
warned them day was drawing towards a close. As they neared
the bottom of the hill, Alice made a pause.
"There's a path that turns off from this, and makes a shorter
cut to Mrs.
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