"Ellen! Ellen!"

She started up — broad awake now; — and both the shadow and
the peaceful expression were gone from her face. It was a look
of blank astonishment at first with which she regarded her
father, but very soon indeed that changed into one of bleak
despair. He saw that she understood perfectly what he was
there for, and that there was no need at all for him to
trouble himself with making painful explanations.

"Come, Ellen," he said, "that's a good child — make haste and
dress. There's no time to lose now, for the carriage will soon
be at the door; and your mother wants to see you, you know."

Ellen hastily obeyed him, and began to put on her stockings
and shoes.

"That's right — now you'll be ready directly. You are going
with Mrs. Dunscombe — I have engaged her to take charge of you
all the way quite to Thirlwall; she's the wife of Captain
Dunscombe, whom you saw here the other day, you know; and her
daughter is going with her, so you will have charming company.
I dare say you will enjoy the journey very much; and your aunt
will meet you at Thirlwall. Now, make haste — I expect the
carriage every minute. I meant to have called you before, but
I overslept myself. Don't be long."

And nodding encouragement, her father left her.

"How did she bear it?" asked Mrs. Montgomery, when he