"Thank you," said Sir Francis, as he accepted of the assistance, and when he stood up, he found how incapable he really was, for a child might have grappled with him.
"I have been sore beset, Mrs. Bannerworth," he said, endeavouring to bow to that lady; "and I have suffered much ill-usage. I am not in such a plight as I could wish to be seen in by ladies; but my reasons for coming will be an excuse for my appearance in such disorder."
"We will not say anything about that," said Charles Holland; "under the circumstances, it could not be otherwise."
"It could not," said Sir Francis, as he took the chair Miss Flora Bannerworth placed for him.
"I will not ask you for any explanation as to how this came about; but you need some restorative and rest."
"I think I suffer more from exhaustion than anything else. The bruises I have, of course, are not dangerous."
"Can you step aside a few moments?" said Mrs. Bannerworth. "I will show you where you can remove some of those stains, and make yourself more comfortable."
"Thank you, madam—thank you. It will be most welcome to me, I assure you."
Sir Francis rose up, and, with the aid of Charles Holland, he walked to the next room, where he washed himself, and arranged his dress as well as it would admit of its being done.
"Mr. Holland," he said, "I cannot tell you how grateful I feel for this. I have been hunted from the house where you saw me. From what source they learned my abode—my place of concealment—I know not; but they found me out."