Chauncey
sees, I was afeard of finding Mr. John here, and I knew he was
lying down just then, so —"
"Lying down was he?" said Mrs. Vawse. "I did not know he had
taken any rest to-day."
"It was very little he took, Ma'am, indeed — though there was
need enough I am sure; — he had been up with his father the
live-long blessed night. And then the first thing this morning
he was away after Miss Ellen, poor child! wherever she had
betaken herself to; I happened to see her before anybody was
out, going round the corner of the house, and so I knew when
he asked me for her."
"Was she going after flowers _then?"_ said Mrs. Chauncey.
"Oh, no, Ma'am — it was a long time after; it was this morning
some time. — I had come up to the linen closet, knowing Mr.
John was in his room, and I thought I was safe; and I had just
taken two or three pieces on my arm, you know, Ma'am, when
somehow I forgot myself, and forgot what I had come for; and
leaving what I should ha' been a-doing, I was standing there,
looking out this way at the dear features I never thought to
see in death — and I had entirely forgotten what I was there
for, Ma'am — when I heard Miss Ellen's little footstep coming
softly upstairs. I didn't want her to catch sight of me just
then, so I had just drew myself back a bit, so as I could see
her without her seeing me — back in the closet where I was.
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