"I have no time for compliments," said I. "You must come with me to my cousin at once. We must ride at noon; and it is close upon eleven."
"You want me to plead for you, eh?"
"Not at all," said I. "There will be no pleading. It is to certify only that this is the King's writing, and that he means what he says."
"Well, well," said Mr. Chiffinch. "And what of the matter I spoke to you of last night? Have you decided? There is not much time to lose."
"You must give me a day or two," I said.
* * * * *
It was he who knocked this time; and it was not until the old woman had opened, and was curtseying to the King's page, that he called me up.
"Come, Mr. Mallock. Your cousin is within."
We went straight upstairs after the old lady; and upon her knock being answered, she threw the door open.
My Cousin Dolly was sitting over her needle, all alone. She looked, I thought, unusually pale; but she flushed scarlet, and sprang up, so soon as she saw me.