Blantyre started. "Oh, I didn't know it was as bad as that," he said. "Is it imminent?"
"A matter of twenty hours I should say," the doctor replied; "I bring you a message from her."
Blantyre's face lighted up. Great tenderness came over it as he heard that the woman who had injured him and sought to harm the Church had sent him a message.
"Poor woman," he said; "what is it—God bless her!"
"She has asked for you and the other clergy to come to her. She wishes me to bring you and such other members of the congregation as will come. She wishes to make a profession of Faith."
"But when, how—" the vicar asked, bewildered.
The doctor explained. "The Hamlyns are with her; she is frightened by them, but not only that, she bitterly repents what she has done. Poor soul! Blantyre, she is very penitent, she remembers the Faith. She asks—" He drew the vicar aside. Lucy could hear no more. But she saw deep sympathy come out upon her brother's face.
The three men—Stephens had remained with the doctor—came near her again.
"My motor is outside," the doctor said hurriedly.
"How long would it take?" asked the vicar.