“My husband!” cried she. “If he refused to go to heaven with me, I'd take him there by the ear.” And her eye flashed with the threat.
Well, somebody told this lady that Mr. Vandeleur was ruined, and in Dr. Suaby's asylum, not ten miles from her country-seat. This intelligence touched her. She contrasted her own happy condition, both worldly and spiritual, with that of this unfortunate reprobate, and she felt bound to see if nothing could be done for the poor wretch. A timid Christian would have sent some man to do the good work; but this was a lion-like one. So she mounted her horse, and taking only her groom with her, was at Bellevue in no time.
She dismounted, and said she must speak to Dr. Suaby, sent in her card, and was received at once.
“You have a gentleman here called Vandeleur?”
The doctor looked disappointed, but bowed.
“I wish to see him.”
“Certainly, madam.—James, take Mrs. Marsh into a sitting-room, and send Mr. Vandeleur to her.”
“He is not violent, is he?” said Mrs. Marsh, beginning to hesitate when she saw there was no opposition.
“Not at all, madam—the Pink of Politeness. If you have any money about you, it might be as well to confide it to me.”
“What, will he rob me?”