"Save his life then," said Browne caustically.
"I intend to," retorted Elspeth quickly.
The doctor turned in his chair and looked at her keenly. She was not exactly pretty, but there was a delicate and fascinating air about her, which meant more than mere physical beauty. Elspeth had "a way with her," as the saying goes, and Browne, sensitive, as has been said, felt her influence at once.
"Are you a lady masquerading as a servant?" he asked, bending his shaggy brows.
"I am a drudge left in pawn by a relation," said the girl, simply.
"What do you mean?"
"A year ago, I came here with a relative. He had not enough to pay for his bed and board, and moreover, wanting to get to London, he did not wish to be encumbered with a girl. To settle his bill and get rid of me, he left me behind to be Mrs. Narby's servant. She pays me nothing, and I do all the work."
"And how long is this slavery to last?"
Elspeth made a gesture of despair.
"I do not know. Until my relative makes sufficient money to take me away. I cannot go myself, as I have no money, and only these clothes I wear now. Here, at least, I have a bed and food, hard though the situation is, so I have made up my mind to stay."