"She left the chamber, and the door purposely ajar, that I might be guided in my conduct by what passed between them.
"'Did he drink it?' whispered the dreadful woman.
"'He did.'
"'And how does it agree with his stomach?' she laughed—her low, horrid laugh.
"'As might be expected—he feels rather qualmish.'
"'Ha, ha,!' cried the old fiend, rubbing her withered long hands together, 'you came Delilah over him. Our pretty Samson is caught at last. Let me see—how long will it be before the poison takes effect—about two hours—when did he take it?'
"'About an hour ago. He is almost insensible. Don't you hear him groan. The struggle will soon be over.'
"'And then my bonny bird will have no rival to wealth and power. What your mother, by her obstinate folly, lost, your wit and prudence, my beauty, will regain.'
"This speech of Dinah's was to me perfectly inexplicable. I heard Alice sigh deeply, but she did not reply.
"The old woman left the cottage but quickly returned.