He was at his wits' end, but after all, the sound of other steps
coming up startled her into composing herself and sitting up.

"Hollo, Stead Kenton! Got this little puppet on your hands?" said
young Gates. "Hollo, mistress, you squeal like a whole litter of
pigs."

"I am to take charge of her till her friends can send for her," said
Stead, with protecting dignity.

"And that will be a long day! Ho, little wench, where didst get that
sweet voice?"

"Hush, Tom! the child has only just heard that her father is dead."

This silenced the other lads, and Emlyn's desire to get away from
them accomplished what Steadfast wished, she put her hand into his
and let him lead her away, and as there were sounds of another troop
of cavalry coming up the lane, the boys did not attempt to follow
her. She made no more resistance, though she broke into fresh fits
of moaning and crying all the way home, such as went to Steadfast's
heart, though he could not find a word to comfort her.

Patience was scarcely delighted when Rusha darted in, crying out that
Emlyn had come back again, but perhaps she was not surprised. She
took the poor worn-out little thing in her arms, and rocked her,
saying kind, tender little words, while Steadfast looked on,
wondering at what girls could do, but not speaking till, finding that
Emlyn was fast asleep, Patience laid her down on the bed without
waking her, and then had time to listen to Stead's account of the