The effect was instantaneous. The woman’s eye quailed beneath his steady gaze.
“Come,” said the officer, as the carriage was heard rattling to the door. She hesitated, but moved as she saw his hand rising to grasp her arm.
“Do you wish the other woman arrested, also?” inquired the officer, on meeting Mr. Dainty at the door. “She is without doubt an accomplice.”
“I only want this woman now,” said Mr. Dainty. “If the other is needed we can send for her.”
“But will hardly find her,” muttered the officer. Mr. Dainty did not heed the remark. He was too eager to have Mrs. Jeckyl conveyed to his dwelling to pause on any other considerations. Entering the carriage with Mrs. Jeckyl, Florence, and the officer, he ordered the driver to take them to his residence in the quickest possible time. Heeding the injunction, the driver put the whip upon his horses, and dashed rapidly away.
CHAPTER XXII.
BREAKING THE SPELL.
It was more than an hour from the time Mr. Dainty and Florence left to go in search of Mrs. Jeckyl, before they returned, bringing the woman with them. During all that period not a sign of life, beyond a feeble heart-beat, did Madeline exhibit. Mrs. Dainty was almost wild with distress, and sat over her child, weeping and wringing her hands. Agnes was calmer, but in deep grief; while Uncle John moved about the chamber in which Madeline lay, as restless as an unshrived ghost. Adele sat by the bedside, her face bent down, and hidden from view. Occasionally Uncle John or Mr. Dainty would ask her a question. Then she would look up, exhibiting a pale countenance, and answer in a low voice that was touchingly sad.
Many times had both the mother and Mr. Fleetwood renewed their efforts to break the fearful spell that lay upon the unconscious child. An age of suspense they endured until Mr. Dainty’s return.
At last a carriage was heard at the door. Uncle John went to the window.
“They have come!” he said, greatly excited, as he saw Mr. Dainty step to the pavement. “There is an officer!” he added. “And there is Mrs. Jeckyl! Oh, the wretch! yet how glad I am to see her!”