"Betty!" cried a voice, "O Betty!"
"Save us!" ejaculated my lady, crossing to the door and turning the key, "she's coming up!"
"Betty!" cried Lady Belinda from the landing without, "O Betty, let me in—let me in!" Here the strong door was shaken by eager hands. "Let me in, Betty, O I know who's there—I've known for days. Let me in for O Lud—I've such terrible news—quick, open the door!"
Instantly Betty obeyed and Lady Belinda tottered in, closed it again and leaned there breathless.
"Charles!" she cried. "My wicked wanderer! My wayward boy! O I shall faint—I swoon!" But Lady Belinda did neither, instead she caught the earl to her bosom, kissed him tenderly and spoke. "My dears, there are soldiers at Sevenoaks seeking our fugitive—they may be here at any time!"
"The devil!" exclaimed the fugitive.
"We must do something!" said the Viscount.
"We will!" nodded my lady.