She tapped lightly at the door. It was opened instantly, and the pale face of Mildred looked out.
"You here! How dare you, you cruel, wicked, merciless woman!" she indignantly cried.
"Hard words, Miss Kingsland. Let me in, if you please—I wish to see your mother."
"You shall not come in! The sight of you will kill her! Was it not enough to swear away the life of her only son? Do you want to blast her dying hours with the sight of your base, treacherous face?"
With a look of scornful contempt, Sybilla took her by the shoulder and drew her out of the room.
"Don't be an idiot, Mildred Kingsland! I gave my evidence—how could I help it? It wasn't my fault that your brother murdered his wife. I must see your mother for ten minutes. I bring a last message from her son."
"You have been to prison!" she cried. "You dare look my brother in the face!"
"Just as easily as I do his sister. Am I to see Lady Kingsland, or shall I go as I came, with Sir Everard's message undelivered?"
"The sight of you will kill her."
"We must risk that."