She came at last, pale and heavy-eyed, moving wearily across the hall.
"She has failed!" cried Norman. "Oh, misery, she has failed!"
A smile, that seemed malicious, quivered across Abigail's lips, but she did not turn her head.
Elizabeth tottered across the room, and fell into an easy chair, exhausted.
Norman Lovel bent over her, hoping against hope.
"It is of no use," she murmured; "he would not let me plead. Oh, Norman! must she die?"
"Shall I go now?" whispered Lady Phipps. "He never refused me any thing in his life."
"Not yet, dear lady," answered Lovel. "At present leave him alone."
"To-night, when he comes to my room," answered the lady; "that perhaps is best."
Lady Phipps seemed glad of a reprieve. She went back to her sofa, sighing heavily.