“Vel quod res omnes timide gelide que ministrat.
Dilator, spe longus, iners,” &c.
He knew there was another justice in the house, but he knew also he should not be allowed to get speech with him, if by cunning or force it could be prevented. He kept his door ajar. Presently Nurse Hannah came bustling along with an apronful of things, and let herself into a vacant room hard by. This Hannah was a young woman with a pretty and rather babyish face, diversified by a thick biceps muscle in her arm that a blacksmith need not have blushed for. And I suspect it was this masculine charm, and not her feminine features, that had won her the confidence of Baker and Co., and the respect of his female patients: big or little, excited or not excited, there was not one of them this bicipital baby-face could not pin by the wrists, and twist her helpless into a strong-room, or handcuff her unaided in a moment; and she did it, too, on slight provocation. Nurse Hannah seldom came into Alfred's part of the house; but when she did meet him, she generally gave him a kind look in passing; and he had resolved to speak to her, and try if he could touch her conscience, or move her pity. He saw what she was at, but was too politic to detect her openly and irritate her. He drew back a step, and said softly, “Nurse Hannah! Are you there?”
“Yes, I am here,” said she sharply, and came out of the room hastily, and shut it. “What do you want, sir?”
Alfred clasped his hands together. “If you are a woman, have pity on me.”
She was taken by surprise. “What can I do?” said she in some agitation. “I am only a servant.”
“At least tell me where I can find the Visiting Justice, before the keepers stop me.”
“Hush! Speak lower,” said Hannah. “You have complained to one, haven't you?”
“Yes, but he seems a feeble old fogy. Where is the other? Oh, pray tell me?”
“I mustn't: I mustn't In the noisy ward. There, run.”
And run he did.