Mr Prothero, with no small noise and bluster, knocked up the inmates of the little inn of that little place, and succeeded in getting Gladys ensconced by a cheerful fire in the kitchen.  The poor girl was benumbed with cold and overpowered with fatigue.  The landlady rubbed her feet and hands, administered hot brandy and water, and finally got her to bed.

Mr Prothero kept out of her way lest he should say something that he might afterwards repent of in the warmth of his delight at finding her again.  After she was in bed, and he had heard from the landlady that she seemed better and more comfortable, he and Lion had a good supper—­a meal the dog appeared thoroughly to enjoy, and which he ate with a ravenous appetite.

Mr Prothero told the landlady to leave Gladys in bed the next morning until nine o’clock, by which hour he supposed she would be sufficiently refreshed, and then retired himself, feeling thankful to Miss Gwynne for having made him do a good action, but still believing that Owen must have been in the secret of Gladys’ sudden flight.

Gladys slept soundly until the landlady took her a good breakfast at nine o’clock.  She then awoke, refreshed but frightened, and uncertain as to her present state or future proceedings.  She was told that Mr Prothero wished to see her as soon as she was dressed, and accordingly when she had eaten her breakfast, she got up.  She felt very stiff and weak, and her hands trembled so much that she could scarcely dress herself.

Lion found her out, however, and gained admittance into her bedroom.  He was in such very boisterous spirits that he quite cheered her, as pale and frightened she tried to gain courage to meet her master.  Before she left the bedroom, she sought for guidance where she was always in the habit of going for help and comfort, and found strength ’according to her day.’

Mr Prothero was waiting for her in the little parlour of the inn.  During the morning, having nothing to do, he had employed himself by getting up his temper, and persuading himself that he ought to be very angry with Gladys.  He had quite slept off his softer feelings, and whilst at his lonely breakfast had gone through an imaginary quarrel with Owen, and a dispute with his wife, which had so raised his choler, that when Gladys entered he was as red as he usually was when in a passion at home.

Gladys saw that he was angry and trembled very much; but she knew that she had done no wrong, and tried to reassure herself.

Mr Prothero began at once.  It must be remarked, however, that he had previously learnt from the landlady that Gladys was pretty well, and had eaten a good breakfast.

‘Name o’ goodness, young ’ooman, what did you run away from our house for in such a sly, underhand way, and give us all this trouble and bother?  Don’t suppose I ’ould a run after you, if it wasn’t for Miss Gwynne and your mistress.’

’Oh, sir, I am very thankful to ye and to them.  I know I don’t deserve such kindness.’