"'Tis my Lord Dilston's, that hath most kindly proffered it to Mother for the journey," replied Edith. "We had settled that we four, with Lettice, should journey therein; but if you would rather be on horseback, Temperance--" "That would I, by ten mile," said she. "I hate being cooped up in a four-post bed, with all the curtains drawn; and that lumbering thing's no better. Faith'll go, I don't doubt; any thing that's a bit smart and showy!! take her: and Lettice may please herself. I dare say the child will have a fantasy to ride in a caroche for once in her life." "Indeed, Aunt, I would like it," answered Lettice, "for very like I may never have such another chance while I live." "Truly, that's little like," retorted Temperance with a laugh. "So have thy ride, child, if thou wilt.--Dear heart! Lady Lettice, I ask your pardon." "For what, Temperance, my dear?" "Taking your place, Madam, instead of my own. Here am I, deciding what Lettice shall do or not do, when you being in presence, it belongs to you to judge." Lady Louvaine gave her gentle smile. "Nay, if we must stand upon our rights, you, Temperance, as her father's sister, have the right to choose." "Then I choose to obey you, Lady Lettice," said Temperance with a courtesy. "Madam," now announced Hans from the door, "the baggage is packed, and the caroche awaiteth your Ladyship." Edith helped her mother to rise from, her chair. She stood one moment, her hand on Edith's arm; and a look came into her eyes such as a drowning man might give to the white cliffs whereon his home stood, where his wife and his little children were waiting for him. So she stood and looked slowly round the chamber, her eyes travelling from one thing to another, till she had gone all over it. And then she said, in a low, pathetic voice-- "`Get thee out of thy country, and from thy father's house, unto the land that I will show thee.' Once before I had that call, and it led me to him who was the stay and blessing of my life. Yet again I go forth: O my Father, let it lead to Thee, unto Thy holy hill, and to Thy tabernacle! Remember Thy word unto Thy servant, wherein Thou hast caused me to hope--`Certainly I will be with thee,'--`I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee,'--`Fear not, for I have redeemed thee: I have called thee by thy name; thou art Mine.' Lord, keep Thine own!--Now, my children, let us go hence with God." In something like a procession they went forth from Selwick Hall. Lady Louvaine first, leaning on Edith and Hans, to whom Aubrey was always ready to resign troublesome duties; then Faith, Temperance, Aubrey, and Lettice. At the door stood the great coach, painted in dark mulberry-colour and picked out with gilding, the lining and cushions of blue: and harnessed to it were the six great horses, dark roan, with cream-coloured manes, knotted likewise in blue. The servants wore mulberry-coloured livery, corded with blue.