"Let me tell my mother where I am going," she said; "and I will consent.""Be it so!" he answered. "And remember one thing: every minute is precious; the fewest words are the best."Mrs. Bowmore re-entered the cottage by the adjoining room, and met them in the passage. In few words, Charlotte spoke.
"I must go at once to Justice Bervie's house. Don't be afraid, mamma! I know what I am about, and I know I am right.""Going to Justice Bervie's!" cried Mrs. Bowmore, in the utmost extremity of astonishment. "What will your father say, what will Percy think, when they come back from the Club?""My sister's carriage is waiting for me close by," Bervie answered. "It is entirely at Miss Bowmore's disposal. She can easily get back, if she wishes to keep her visit a secret, before Mr. Bowmore and Mr. Linwood return."He led her to the door as he spoke. She ran back and kissed her mother tenderly. Mrs. Bowmore called to them to wait.
"I daren't let you go," she said to her daughter, "without your father's leave!"Charlotte seemed not to hear, the Captain seemed not to hear.
They ran across the front garden, and through the gate--and were out of sight in less than a minute.