“As you will,” the earl answered. “I care not for the place, so it be at once.” And he strode out through the open window.
But no sooner had he disappeared than the apathy that had held me seemed to vanish. My brain was clear, my will unshaken. I stepped swiftly to where Mistress Grace still knelt upon the floor, her face buried in her hands.
“Listen,” I cried quickly, raising her gently to her feet. “You are brave, madam—I am sure that you are brave. There is much depends upon you. Try, then, to recover yourself—for your brother’s sake.”
She raised her face to mine. I know not what she read there, but on a sudden I saw a new light flash into her eyes, and she laid her two hands upon my breast.
“You,” she whispered—“you are going to save him!”
“With heaven’s help I am,” I answered quickly. “There is a chance yet—it is a desperate one! Your part, madam, must be to hinder these men as long as possible. Use your woman’s wit. Bid them search the house. Delay them but ten minutes, and all may yet be well.”
“But my sister?” she faltered, casting a lingering glance at my lady’s unconscious figure.
“You must act for her,” I said rapidly. “There is no time to lose. Listen!”
I raised my hand to enjoin silence. Far away down the avenue came the trampling of horse. “They are coming! Now, madam, will you trust me?”
She stretched out her hands impulsively. “With all our lives,” she whispered.