Master Raymond sat quietly—waiting for what was to come next. He could not conceive how Lady Mary intended to manage it. As for the lady, she tapped the table with her shapely fingers impatiently.
In a few minutes Master Josslyn reappeared with the paper. "All it now wants is the signature of the Governor," said he.
The lady took up a pen from the table by which she was sitting, and filled it with ink; then with a firm hand she signed the paper, "William Phips, Governor, by Lady Mary Phips."
"But, your ladyship, the keeper will not acknowledge the validity of that signature, or obey it," said Master Josslyn in some alarm.
"He will not? We shall see!" responded her ladyship rising. "Order my carriage, Master Josslyn."
In fifteen minutes, Lady Mary, accompanied by Master Raymond, was at Keeper Arnold's house.
"I bring you good news, Master Arnold," said Lady Mary, "I know you will rejoice, such a tender-hearted man as you are at the release of Mistress Dulcibel Burton. Here is the official document." She flourished it at him, but still kept it in her hand.
Dulcibel was soon informed of the good news; and came flying out to meet her benefactor and her lover.
"Put on a shawl and your veil at once; and make a bundle of your belongings," said Lady Mary, kissing her. "Master Raymond is in a great hurry to carry you off—at which I confess that I do not wonder." Dulcibel tripped off—the sooner she was out of that close place the better.
"Well, what is it, Master Arnold?" said Lady Mary to the keeper, who acted as if he wished to say something.