You trust matters to me, and depend
upon it, I'll do my duty. I've got a clue, and a clue is all I ever
want. You keep to this spot, my lady, and you, too, captain; for there
may come some kind of news in my absence, and you may have to act
without me. I shan't waste time, you may rely upon it; and all you've
got to do, my lady, is to trust to me, and hope that I shall bring you
back good news from Murford Haven."
Very little more was said, and half an hour after this interview, the
police-officer left Raynham in a post-chaise, on the first stage of the
journey to Murford Haven.
Words are too weak to describe the sufferings of the mother of the lost
child, and of the friends to whom she was hardly less dear. They waited
very quietly, with all outward show of calmness, but the pain of
suspense was not less keen. They sat silent, unoccupied, counting the
hours--the minutes even--during the period which must elapse before the
return of the police-officer.
He came earlier than Honoria had dared to expect him, and he brought
with him so much comfort that she could almost have fallen on her
knees, like Thetis at the feet of Jove, in the extremity of her
gratitude for his services.
"I've got the coverlet," said Mr. Larkspur, dragging the little silken
covering from his carpet-bag, and displaying it before those to whom it
was so familiar.
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