Here Betty cut the conversation short by saying: "I'll fetch a barber-surgeon, while father takes you to a room."
"You'll do nothing of the sort for me," objected Hamilton. "My wounds are mere scratches. I'll go to the pump. It is the only surgeon I shall need. Fetch a barber for the men on the floor there."
George went to the pump in the courtyard, followed by Betty, after whom came Nelly and Frances. Betty was proceeding to wash George's wounds, when Nelly offered to take the towel from her hand, but the girl refused with a touch of anger, saying:—
"Please do not interfere, Mistress Gwynn. You and the duchess stood by gaping while he was fighting to protect you. He would have been dead by now if he had waited for help from either of you. I advise you to leave the Old Swan, but don't forget to pay your bill to the barboy."
"Never mind the bill," said Pickering, who was at the pump handle. "But please take my daughter's advice and go."
"Go where you may find guinea linen. Persons of your quality make too much trouble at the Old Swan," interposed Betty, who was not in a good temper.
At first Nelly was inclined to resent Betty's sharp words, but in a moment she returned softly:—
"You're right, girl. You have earned the privilege to scold."
"And please forgive us," said Frances, to which Betty did not reply.
"Where are your wounds?" asked Nelly, addressing George. "Off with your clothes and let us see."