“He cannot, madam: he is very ill.”
“Ill!” said Nance. She started violently. Her face grew white. “I won’t keep you a single moment,” she said.
“I’ll go with you, dear,” said Lady Georgina.
“I am sorry, madam,” said Scrivener, “but on that point I am obliged to be firm. I cannot possibly take you with Mrs. Rowton. If she wishes to see her husband alive she must trust herself to me alone. I swear no harm will happen to her.”
“If I wish to see my husband alive?” repeated Nance. “Oh! for Heaven’s sake, don’t put obstacles in the way now, Lady Georgina. I won’t keep you a moment,” she said, again turning to the man.
She flew out of the room, returning in less than a minute in her hat and cloak.
“I am ready,” she said, “let us come.”
“This is an awful situation,” exclaimed Lady Georgina. “I promised to look after that child. How do I know, sir, that you are not deceiving me?”
“I swear on the Bible, madam, that I am not. Mr. Rowton has sent for his wife. He is very ill. If you refuse to let Mrs. Rowton come with me I must go away without her.”
“In that case, I have no alternative,” said Lady Georgina; “I only trust I am not doing wrong.”