There
is not the slightest fear, I do assure you, miss.'
'Do the men say that Plantagenet is a good sailor?' inquired Venetia.
'Quite professional!' said Mistress Pauncefort; 'and can command a
ship as well as the best of them. They all say that.'
'Hush! Pauncefort, I hear something.'
'It's only my lady, miss. I know her step,'
'Is my mother going to bed?' said Venetia.
'Yes,' said Pauncefort, 'my lady sent me here to see after you. I wish
I could tell her you were asleep.'
'It is impossible to sleep,' said Venetia, rising up from the bed,
withdrawing the curtain, and looking at the sky. 'What a peaceful
night! I wish my heart were like the sky. I think I will go to mamma,
Pauncefort!'
'Oh! dear, Miss Venetia, I am sure I think you had better not. If you
and my lady, now, would only just go to sleep, and forget every thing
till morning, it would be much better for you. Besides, I am sure if
my lady knew you were not gone to bed already, it would only make her
doubly anxious. Now, really, Miss Venetia, do take my advice, and just
lie down, again. You may be sure the moment any one arrives I will let
you know. Indeed, I shall go and tell my lady that you are lying down
as it is, and very drowsy;' and, so saying, Mistress Pauncefort caught
up her candle, and bustled out of the room.
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