"Liars--liars!" cried Mr. Fox-Cordery. "Liars all!"
"She speaks God's truth, and it shall be made known to man," said Rathbeal.
He did not scruple to search the room for spirits, and he found some in a sideboard.
"Drink," he whispered to her, "and remember that you have met with friends. You shall not be left to starve. We will take care of her, will we not, Mr. Dixon?"
"I take the charge of her upon myself," said John Dixon. "She shall have the chance of living a respectable life."
"Robert!" said Mrs. Grantham, in a gentle tone. She was standing by his side, holding Clair by the hand. Seeing the woman on the floor she started forward. "Oh, can I do anything? Poor creature! poor creature!"
"We can do all that is required," said John Dixon. "She is getting better already. Go with your husband and child to the inn where we put up the horses. Mr. Grantham knows the way. We will join you there as soon as possible."
Charlotte whispered a few words in his ear.
"Take Charlotte with you, please. She must not sleep another night beneath her brother's roof. Go, my dear."
"Remain here!" cried Mrs. Fox-Cordery, speaking for the first time. "I command you!"