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 behind her friend, with Mary Todd upon the saddle before her. "I—I" began Sally stammeringly, hating herself for that terrible self-consciousness which ever descended upon her at sight of her mistress.

"Well?" Mistress Todd gazed sharply from Sally to Zenas, whose bland, undisturbed look met hers without flinching. Suddenly, the lady rode her horse closer to the girl. "Well?" she asked impatiently again.

"Sally doth mean to say that she be riding wi' me on an errand for my mother," said Zenas coolly.

"I asked not your explanation, Zenas Williams!" Mistress Todd turned to eye him up and down. Then her compelling glance sought Sally's face, into which the desperate color had flooded. "Well, girl, answer me! What do ye here?"

"I—I" gulped Sally. Her voice died away helplessly.

Before the indignant Zenas could once more interfere. Mistress Banks's good-natured voice came from behind them. "Nay, Molly, the girl doubtless hath business here. Let her be on her way and we on ours, for I like not tarrying o'erlong!"

"Business, indeed!" exclaimed Mistress Todd angrily. "Nay, what could a bond wench like her ha' to do i' Newark at such a time! Turn thy horse around, girl! I like not this sudden shift o' mistresses! I left ye i' charge o' Mistress Ball! Why