Oh! if Harriet were only at Brentford, or if it were possible to reach the Lea Farm where she was!  Could she ask her way thither, or could she find some shelter near or in Brentford till the coach or the waggon started?  This was the most definite idea her brain, refreshed somewhat by the food, could form; but in the meantime she was again getting bewildered in the field paths.  It was a part she did not know, lying between the backs of the cottages and their gardens, and the woods belonging to the great house; and the long sloping meadows, spangled with cowslips were much alike.  The cowslips seemed to strike her with a pang as she recollected her merry day among them last spring, and how little she then thought of being a homeless wanderer.  At last, scarce knowing where she was, she sat down on the step of a stile leading to a little farmyard, leant her head on the top bar and wept bitterly.

Again she startled by hearing a voice saying, “Sister, what is that in the field?” and starting up, she saw Mrs. Delia in high pattens, and her Sunday silk tucked up over her quilted petticoat, with a basket of corn in her hand, surrounded by her poultry, while Mrs. Phoebe was bending over a coop.  She had stumbled unawares on their back premises, and with a wild hope, founded on their well-known enmity to Lady Belamour, she sprang over the stile.  Mrs. Delia retreated in haste, but Mrs. Phoebe came to the front.

“Oh!  Mrs. Phoebe,” she cried, “I ask your pardon.”

“Mrs. Belamour!  Upon my word!  To what are we indebted for this visit?”

“Oh! of your kindness listen to me, madam,” said Aurelia.  “My Lady is come, and there is some dreadful mistake, and she is very angry with me; and if you would only take me in and hide me till the waggon goes and I can get home!”

“So my Lady has found you out, you artful hussy,” returned Mrs. Phoebe.  “I have long guessed at your tricks!  I knew it was no blackamoor that was stealing into the great house.”

“I do not know what you mean.”

“Oh! it is of no use to try your feigned artlessness on us.  I wonder at your assurance, after playing false with uncle and nephew both at once.”

“If you would but hear me!”

“I have heard enough of you already.  I wonder you dare show your face at a respectable house.  Away with you, if you would not have me send the constable after you!”

The threat renewed Aurelia’s terror, and again she fled, but this time she fell into a path better known to her, that leading to Sedhurst, and ultimately to Brentford.

The recollection of Dame Wheatfield’s genial good nature inspired her with another hope, and she made her way towards the farm.  The church bells were ringing, and she saw the farmer and his children going towards the church, but not the mistress, and she might therefore hope to find her at home and alone.  As she approached, a great dog began a formidable barking, and his voice brought out the good woman in person.  “Down, Bouncer!  A won’t hurt’ee, my lass.  What d’ye lack that you bain’t at church?”