"Would she go—would she?" questioned the girl, looking up eagerly.
"It was her earnest wish to leave the country before this awful charge was made."
"Lady Phipps—Lady Phipps! May I go to Sir William? May I kneel to him and beg for her life?"
"I will go with you, child," answered the lady. "Alas, it was an evil day for this poor woman when she came among us!"
"Let us go—let us go at once!" cried Elizabeth, rising, and pushing back the hair from her forehead. "I shall not sleep till it is done. He cannot resist you. May Abigail Williams come with us?"
Abigail sat by herself, looking wistfully out into the storm. She turned her head as Elizabeth called to her, but did not attempt to rise.
"No," she said. "I have done nothing toward hunting this unhappy lady to her death."
"Always cruel, always cold," said Elizabeth, reproachfully. "Well, as I have borne witness against her, so will I go alone and beg for her life on my knees."
"It is better so," whispered Lovel, as Lady Phipps hesitated. "When it comes to the worst, dear friend, we must claim your help. That will be our last hope."
Elizabeth left the room as they were conversing, and went into the library. Few words were spoken after she left. Abby Williams gazed out into the storm as if she had no part in the general trouble. Lady Phipps sat with downcast eyes, looking thoughtfully on the floor. Norman paced up and down the room, turning anxiously at every sound, expecting to see Elizabeth.