"Let the young lady know I'm here; pray do."
And now Graves came from the back of the house, and exclaimed, as Griselda was trying to admit the boy:
"Go back into the dining-parlour, Miss Griselda. Go; I'll speak to the boy."
But Brian Bellis had pushed the door open, and now stood under the dull glow of the lamp hanging over the entrance.
"Madam," he said, addressing Griselda, "I am sent to tell you that Mr. Lamartine is dying; he can't last till morning, and he craves to see you. For Norah's sake, madam, I beg you to come. I am Brian Bellis, you know—Norah's only friend. I beg you to come."
"Yes, I will come."
"He has something to tell you. He says he cannot die till he has told you."
"I will come. Stand back, Graves; what do you mean?"
For Graves had laid her hand on Griselda's arm as she turned to go upstairs to get her cloak and hood.
"You must not go to Crown Alley at this time of night; wait till morning."