“No, madam, I cannot do that. It would be like robbing the dead. I mean to put that letter in the mail by daylight to-morrow morning. The man shall get it, but I have taken a copy, and that you may have and no extra charge. You’ve acted the lady by me, and I mean to act the lady by you; give me that letter and take this, it’s the same thing word for word.”
Mrs. Judson folded the letter and exchanged it for that Jane Kelly held in her hand.
“If this does not satisfy you, there is a way that will. Come and look upon her where she lies.”
Mrs. Judson gazed on the woman who made this rude proposal in absolute terror for an instant, then pressing one hand over her eyes she seemed to reflect, and at last said, shuddering visibly,—
“Tell me how to get there without observation, and I will come.”
“Could you get up by daybreak?” asked Jane.
Mrs. Judson turned her head wearily against the back of her chair.
“I shall not go to bed. It would be of no use.”
“So much the better,” answered Jane; “then just as it is getting light I will come here after you. It will be best to walk.”
“Yes, that will be best.”