There was no time to knock before the door was opened to Nancy by the old woman who had been for many years Janet's maid, companion, and housekeeper, whose eyes were red with weeping and whose whole bearing denoted the greatest anxiety.
"She's took worse," she said. "It's thought she will not last the night."
"Will she know me?" Nancy asked.
"Oh, aye! She's her wits about her still. She knew Mr. Danvers," the old wife replied.
"Mr. Danvers," Nancy repeated after her. "Is Mr. Danvers here?" And at the words Danvers himself came forward to greet her.
"Are you cold?" he inquired, in the whispering tone used when sickness is near. "This has been a dreadful trip for you to take. You must have some hot tea at once." And, as the old woman bustled away to prepare it:
"Were you sent for, Danvers?" asked Nancy.
He nodded acquiescence, answering:
"The two of us are named in the will," the tears coming to his eyes as he spoke of Janet's kindness.
Tea had scarce been brewed when the old doctor came from above to say that Mrs. McGillavorich had heard of Nancy's arrival and wanted to see her immediately, adding, with some philosophy: