"It does not look well," said Dixen. "But, children dear, you are not to fret. The boys are safe enough. No harm can come to them. We are living in the Queen's dominions, thank God, and evil things can only be done in secret. And, Miss Fred dear, you should go to Mrs Brandon, and tell her about Miss Tessie and the little lads. And somebody that is wise in the law should be told. I would have gone myself, but nobody would heed such a story from the like of me. I am sore feared that no good is meant to you all. And the priests are everywhere, and have the means of making men do their will, that we know nothing of. Only here they must keep things quieter than in some places. But don't let them smuggle you all off without a word. They will tell you it is your souls they would save, but it is your grandfather's money they want as well. And here is that soft-spoken nun coming to hear what I may be saying. Be sure you go to your sister this very day." In his increasing excitement the old man used some words that are not put down, and he went muttering to himself away. "Here is Miss Agnace," said Frederica. "We must be very quiet, and let her see nothing. Let us walk round the other way to the house," said Selina. "And I will go to Caroline. Anything is better than to sit still and think about it," said Frederica excitedly. They walked very quietly into the house, and went to their room. "I will go at once, as Dixen said," and Frederica's preparations were soon made. The room where Madame and the priest were sitting looked back upon the garden, so she got away without being seen. She had gone but a few steps, when she heard Dixen's voice behind her. "You are but weakly yet, Miss Frederica," said he, when she waited for him, "and I will come with you. Just you go on without heeding me. I will keep in sight. Can you walk all the way, think you?" Frederica was doubtful about it. She was excited, and trembling, hot and cold by turns. She was not very hopeful as to any help she could get from her sister. She was ill, and her husband was cautious, and not easily moved, and above all averse to interfere in matters where his right to do so was not acknowledged. "And he will say it is Mr St. Cyr that is doing all this--and it is not impossible," said Frederica, with a new pang of terror. "But I don't think he would deceive us. I will go to the school myself. I will take them by surprise, and they will not have time to hide them as they must have done before, and I will take them away."