"What is it?" Barbara asked. "Is there further and worse news?"
"No, nothing further."
"Your face has a wealth of trouble in it."
"Indeed, madam, and is it any wonder?" the girl asked. "I am so helpless, and I could wish to be so strong. Every hour counts, and what can I do?"
"You have travelled far to ask my help, that is something."
"Yes, madam; but yesterday you gave me little hope, and even that little is gone. In this matter you are as helpless as I am."
Barbara laughed, a little hardly perhaps, remembering in which direction her power lay.
"Had I been powerless, do you suppose your master would have sent you to me? I have had to decide whether I shall use that power."
"And you will use it?"
"I have already tried to do so this morning, and failed."