"Well what can I do for you?"
"Get an order from Sir William releasing Dulcibel from prison."
"Oh, that I could! God knows how gladly I would do it."
"You can at least try," said Master Raymond desperately.
The lady hesitated a moment. "Yes, as you say, I can at least try. But you know how impossible it is to carry on the government of this Province without the support of the ministers and the magistrates. Sir William is naturally anxious to succeed; for, if he fails here, it will block his road to further preferment."
"And he will allow the shedding of innocent blood to go on, in order to promote his own selfish ambition?" said the young man indignantly.
"You are unjust to the Governor. He will do all he can to moderate this fanaticism; and, if it comes to the worst, he will order a general jail-delivery, and meet the consequences. But he hopes much from time, and from such developments as those of your chicken feathers"—and the lady smiled at the thought of the minister's discomfiture.
"Some things can wait, but I cannot wait," insisted Master Raymond. "You must acknowledge that."
"Sir William starts this afternoon on a visit to Plymouth, to remain for a day or so; but I will have a talk with him, and see what I can do," replied the lady. "Call here again at six o'clock this evening."
"Such beauty and spirit as yours must be irresistible in the cause of virtue and innocence," said the young man, rising to depart.