Then she would go down without her bonnet and without her boots, and see whether any one would dare to stand in her way, as with her baby in her arms she would attempt to walk forth through the front door.
But it had not occurred to her that other steps might be taken.

Just before twelve the gardener stationed himself on the road before the house,--a road which was half lane and half street, belonging to the suburban village of Chesterton,--and there awaited the carriage at a spot some yards away from the gate.

It was well that he was early, because Richard was there a few minutes before the time appointed.

'She ain't a-going back to-day,' said the gardener, laying his hands gently on the horse's back.
'Who ain't not a-going back ?' asked the coachman.
'Miss Hester ain't.' 'Mrs.John ain't a-going home ?' 'No;--I was to come out and tell you, as master don't like wheels on the gravel if it can be helped.

We ain't got none of our own.' 'Missus ain't a-going home?
Why, master expects her for certain!' 'I was to say she ain't a-going to-day.' The man who was driving passed the reins into his whip-hand, and raising his hat, began to scratch his head with the other.