Page:The Tenant of Wildfell Hall (emended first edition), Volume 3.djvu/124

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THE TENANT

CHAPTER VII.


THE RETREAT.


October 24th.—Thank Heaven, I am free and safe at last!—Early we rose, swiftly and quietly dressed, slowly and stealthily descended to the hall, where Benson stood ready with a light to open the door and fasten it after us. We were obliged to let one man into our secret on account of the boxes, &c. All the servants were but too well acquainted with their master's conduct, and either Benson or John would have been willing to serve me, but as the former was more staid