But Wilton was gone, and returned quickly. "There are but three other ladies," he said, assisting to wrap his plaid around her, "and they are going up to a small town or village about two miles off, to rest at the inn; and when they are refreshed, intend posting on to their destination, which is somewhere in this district. Would you like to go with them, or wait at a little station close to this, where a fresh train will be sent as soon as they can clear the line?" "Oh, I will go to the station. I am anxious to get on as soon as possible." "And so am I. I shall, therefore, remain there also, and shall be most happy to be of any use to you." "Thank you. Can I walk to this station at once?" "Certainly, if you will take my arm." "I feel I must to steady myself," she replied. "I did not know I was so much frightened and shaken. I feel ashamed." They walked on in silence for a few yards, and then Wilton asked if she was going much farther. "Yes," with a sigh, "a long way--over the Border to a place called Monkscleugh." "Indeed!" cried Wilton; "that is my destination also." She made no reply, and they accomplished the short distance in silence, save for a few friendly remarks and inquiries from Wilton. The station was almost deserted when they reached it; but the gaslight and a good fire were very welcome; and the station-master soon returned with the intelligence that they had collected more men, who were working hard to clear the line, and, that, as soon as it was passable, a fresh train would be sent on from A----. The station-master was a short man--broad without being stout--with a peculiarly weather-beaten aspect, his mouth screwed to one side, and one eye squeezed down to the other, as if in the habit of facing the sun's glare without adequate shelter. He spoke, too, in a _staccato_ style, as if some intermittent power pumped up his words. "I dare say this lady would be glad of a cup of tea or something," said Wilton, looking compassionately at the figure of his companion, who had drawn a chair to the fire, and sat down wearily, putting a small, well-booted foot upon the fender. "I have sent up to the village for refreshments, sir; but I am sorry to say I have nothing in the place. I generally go away for my meals." So saying, the station-master hurried off. "I do not feel to want anything but sleep," said the lady. "I have not had any for many nights, and I am scarce awake now. If I could but close my eyes, and rest." She raised them as she spoke to Wilton--such large, black-blue eyes, so heavy with fatigue, that his compassion for her evident exhaustion was naturally increased by the admiration they excited. "You really ought to take something, if we could get it," he said. "Such a shock must have been too much for you, though you showed remarkable pluck."