“‘Yes, Joseph. Oh, take me to him. I want to go to him so much. I will behave myself so well.’
“‘Yes, dear. Just as soon as ever I can do so. Keep up your heart.’
“‘If he dies I shall die too, and in a fortnight all will be over, and we two shall meet on the other side, never to part any more.’
“‘Don’t speak so hopelessly, dear Lil. I feel sure in my own mind that we shall win a commutation of his sentence, and then the worst that can happen to us will be that we shall have to go to Australia; and that may turn out to be the very best that could happen.’
“Their conversation was interrupted by a rap at the door, followed by the entrance of the landlady with a small bowl of beef tea for the poor girl.
“‘Oh, I thank you; but indeed I cannot take anything,’ said Lil, when this refreshment was offered to her.
“‘Come, now, I want you to drink this because it will do you good. And you promised to behave, you know,’ said her brother.
“‘I will drink it then,’ said Lil, with perfect docility. And so well was the liquid seasoned that on tasting it she drank it without reluctance and even with benefit.
“The landlady had scarcely left the room, with the empty bowl in her hand, when the doctor entered it.
“Joseph Wyvil arose and bowed, and yielded his place by the bedside to the physician, who seated himself and proceeded to examine his patient.