"She took me earnestly by the hand, and replied:
"'Neither in life nor in death will I betray you.,
"'Then,' said I, 'I will tell you that Estella has friends who are as anxious to get her away from this place as you are. They have arranged to come for her on Monday night next. You must help me to protect her from the Prince in the meantime, and to facilitate her escape when the time comes.'
"'I will do so,' she said; 'tell me what I can do now?'
"'Make yourself very entertaining to the Prince,' I replied, 'and keep his thoughts away from the stranger. Estella pleads sickness and keeps her room; and we may be able to protect her in that way until the fateful night arrives. And remember,' I said, touching her upon the breast and looking earnestly into her eyes, for I have little faith in such natures, 'that I am a member of a great secret society, and if any mishap were to happen to me, through your agency, your own life would pay the immediate forfeit.'
"She shrank back affrighted, and assured me again of her good faith. And as she desires to be quit of Estella, I think she will not betray us."
"SUNDAY EVENING, seven o'clock.
"I resume my narrative. I have gone through dreadful scenes since I laid down my pen.
"This afternoon about five o'clock the Prince rang for me.
"'Bring Estella,' he said.