CHAPTER X 112
drawers to see that no article was left behind ; and now having nothing more to do , I sat down and tried to rest . I could not ; though I had been on foot all day , I could not now repose an instant ; I was too much excited . A phase of my life was closing to-night , a new one opening to-morrow : impossible to slumber in the interval ; I must watch feverishly while the change was being accomplished .
" Miss ," said a servant who met me in the lobby , where I was wandering like a troubled spirit , " a person below wishes to see you ."
" The carrier , no doubt ," I thought , and ran downstairs without inquiry . I was passing the back-parlour or teachers ' sitting-room , the door of which was half open , to go to the kitchen , when some one ran out -
" It ' s her , I am sure ! -- I could have told her anywhere !" cried the individual who stopped my progress and took my hand .
I looked : I saw a woman attired like a well-dressed servant , matronly , yet still young ; very good-looking , with black hair and eyes , and lively complexion .
" Well , who is it ?" she asked , in a voice and with a smile I half recognised ; " you ' ve not quite forgotten me , I think , Miss Jane ?"
In another second I was embracing and kissing her rapturously : " Bessie ! Bessie ! Bessie !" that was all I said ; whereat she half laughed , half cried , and we both went into the parlour . By the fire stood a little fellow of three years old , in plaid frock and trousers .
" That is my little boy ," said Bessie directly . " Then you are married , Bessie ?"
" Yes ; nearly five years since to Robert Leaven , the coachman ; and I ' ve a little girl besides Bobby there , that I ' ve christened Jane ."