‘Haven’t seen her! Then go at once, and get her authority to appear.’
‘I have been to the prison, but she won’t see me. I suppose she is ill.’
A look of positive pleasure crossed the face of the elder man.
‘Ill—no, but innocent!’ he exclaimed. ‘I can understand her refusing to see you. You have played with her life for the prize of infamy, and you deserve that she should discard you. This is the best thing I have heard yet. Why, I could almost forgive you now for telling me. I will go this instant and offer my services: they will be those of a plain, honest man.’
And, flinging off his wig and gown, he rushed out of the place in a very unwonted state of excitement.
Tressamer was left, bewildered and enraged, to curse his own folly in betraying his defeat to a rival.
When Eleanor was summoned by the gaoler to see Mr. Prescott, she at first thought there must be some mistake.
‘Are you sure you don’t mean Mr. Tressamer?’ she asked.
‘No; he said Prescott.’