Allen, for now nearly a week, and had
listened to the town talk touching the matter, until his own mind
was filled with the common idea, that something was wrong. And now,
to be called on to drive Mrs. Allen to Boston, secretly, and under
cover of the night, seemed so much like becoming a party to some act
of folly or crime, that he gave way to hesitation, and began to seek
for reasons that would justify his playing the lady false. Then came
up the image of her sweet, reverent face, as she said so earnestly,
"Nothing wrong, as God is my witness!" And his first purpose was
restored.
Punctually, at half-past ten o'clock, the team of Jacob Perkins
drove noiselessly in through the gate, and up the carriage-way to
the door of the Allen mansion. No lights were visible in any part of
the house. Under the portico were two figures, a man and a
woman--the man holding something in his arms, which, on a closer
observation, Jacob saw to be a child. Two large trunks and a small
one stood near.
"Put them on the carriage," said Mrs. Allen, in a low, steady voice;
and Jacob obeyed in silence.
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