Breathless expectation followed. Adele arose from her place by the bedside, and shrunk away into a remote part of the room; while Agnes came nearer to Madeline, and laid her hand upon her. The mingled sounds of voices and footsteps were heard along the passage and on the stairs, and then the chamber-door opened, and Mr. Dainty entered, followed by Mrs. Jeckyl, the officer, and Florence.
On the stern face of the woman sat a dark, defiant scowl. She looked at Mrs. Dainty, at Agnes, and at Uncle John, with unflinching eyes, but did not speak. Quick glances were then thrown about the room, and Adele, half hidden by one of the window-curtains, was only partially seen, but not recognised.
“For what purpose am I here?” she asked, looking at Mr. Dainty.
“Simply to undo your evil work,” he replied. “You see that child?” and he pointed to the bed.
Mrs. Jeckyl turned her eyes upon the form of Madeline, though scarcely moving her head.
“Well, what of her?” she spoke, very coldly.
“She lies there wholly insensible, as you can see.”
“I am not a physician,” the woman retorted, with a sneer. “Why don’t you send for your doctor?”
“Right for once!” said Uncle John. “Why was not that thought of before?” And he went quickly from the room, and gave direction to one of the servants to go with all possible speed for the doctor.
“This is your work, as we are told,” Mr. Dainty replied, in answer to Mrs. Jeckyl’s remark. “And you are here to unbind what you have bound. And I pray you, in Heaven’s name, to do it speedily!”