"Desire James to put four swift horses to the chariot.

Important business calls me instantly to London; bid him use dispatch, every moment is precious." Allison departed, and the Duchess continued pacing the apartment till she returned, announcing the carriage as ready.

A very few minutes sufficed for their personal preparations, for the Duchess to give peremptory orders to her trusty Allison to keep her departure a profound secret, as she should return before her guests were stirring the next morning, and herself account for Miss Hamilton's sudden return home.

Few words were sufficient for Allison, who was in all respects well fitted for the situation she held near a person of the Duchess of Rothbury's character; and the carriage rolled rapidly from Airslie.
Not another word passed between the travelling companions.

In feverish agitation on the part of Caroline, in cold, unbending sternness on that of the Duchess, their journey passed.