At last it was finished, and she rose, saying it was time to return
to the boat.
"Nay, madam, that cannot be yet," said Loveday; "the watermen are gone
to rest and dine, and we must wait for the tide to shoot the bridge."
"Then pray let us go out and walk in Greenwich Park," exclaimed Aurelia,
longing to escape from this den.
"The sweet young lady will take something in the meantime?" said Mrs.
Darke.
"I thank you, I have breakfasted," said Aurelia.
"My Lady intended us to eat here," said Loveday in an undertone to
her young lady, as their hostess bustled out. "She will make it
good to Mrs. Darke."
"I had rather go to the inn--I have money--or sit in the park," she
added as Loveday looked as if going to the inn were an improper
proposal. "Could we not buy a loaf and eat in the park? I should
like it so much better."
"One cup of coffee," said Mrs. Darke, entering; "the excellent Mocha
that I get from the Turkey captains."
She set down on a small table a wonderful cup of Eastern porcelain, and
some little sugared cakes, and Aurelia, not to be utterly ungracious,
tasted one, and began on the coffee, which was so hot that it had to
be taken slowly. As she sipped a soothing drowsiness came over her,
which at first was accounted for by the warm room after her row on
the river; but it gained upon her, and instead of setting out for
her walk she fell sound asleep in the corner of the couch.
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