It is now
eleven o'clock in the forenoon, and the carriage is to come for you
at six this evening, I believe?"
"Yes! yes!"
"Then you have seven hours in which to save yourself! And this is my
plan: First, Clara, you must change clothes with me, giving me your
suit of mourning and putting on my riding habit, hat and veil! Then,
leaving me here in your place, you are to pull the veil down closely
over your face and walk right out of the house! No one will speak to
you, for they never do to me. When you have reached the park, spring
upon my horse and put whip to him for the village of Tip Top. My
servant, Wool, will ride after you, but not speak to you or approach
near enough to discover your identity--for he has been ordered by
his master to keep me in sight, and he has been forbidden by his
mistress to intrude upon her privacy. You will reach Tip Top by
three o'clock, when the Staunton stage passes through. You may then
reveal yourself to Wool, give my horse into his charge, get into the
coach and start for Staunton. Upon reaching that place, put yourself
under the protection of your friends, the two old physicians, and
get them to prosecute your guardian for cruelty and flagrant abuse
of authority. Be cool, firm and alert, and all will be well!"
Clara, who had listened to this little Napoleon in petticoats with
breathless interest, now clasped her hands in a wild ecstasy of joy
and exclaimed:
"I will try it! Oh, Capitola I will try it! Heaven bless you for the
counsel!"
"Be quick, then; change your dress! provide yourself with a purse of
money, and I will give you particular directions how to make a short
cut for Tip Top.
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