And she looked imploringly from one to the other.
Mrs. Brady stepped over to the corner, and a conversation ensued between her and her husband of which Elizabeth could hear but snatches. The question of money appeared to figure largely in it, and she heard the words "reward" and "have us arrested."
Finally Mrs. Brady turned to her visitor.
"Oh, thank you!" said Elizabeth, gratefully. "Shall I go take off my things? And where shall I put them?"
Eva Louise volunteered to take her up stairs. She had a great curiosity to see what was in the beautiful leather travelling-bag which Elizabeth carried, a curiosity which was presently gratified when the new-comer took from it a silver-backed brush and comb, and laid them on the old wash-stand which appeared to serve as a dressing-table.
"La!" cried Bella, who had followed them up stairs, "ain't we grand? Say, is them real solid silver?"
"Why, yes," said Elizabeth; "I suppose so."
"Pop needn't worry about no board money, I guess."
And the two daughters of the house hurried downstairs.
Elizabeth looked about her. It was certainly very different from her own room in the next street. As there were but few bedrooms in the house, she feared that she might be obliged to sleep with the Brady girls. Already she felt homesick. And the house was filled with the odor of salt fish mingled with that of onions and bad-tobacco smoke. It was almost unbearable.
Presently she heard loud voices. Some of the boys had returned, and it sounded as if they were quarrelling. How very dreadful it was! Elizabeth was afraid to go down, so she staid where she was, with difficulty opening the window a crack in order to get a breath of fresh air.
She began to wonder if life in Virginia could be worse than this. If she only had Julius Cæsar here, it would be a comfort; but Julius would not be happy in such a place. He liked soft cushions and rugs to lie upon, and he was particular about having a clean plate for his food.
She wondered if her aunt Caroline had returned yet, and what she would think when she read her note. After what seemed a long time, she heard the State House clock strike six. She would be about to sit down to supper if she were at home. The aunts were expecting guests to dinner that night. The voices downstairs grew louder. She distinctly heard Mr. Brady say: