"I hope you may, indeed, Sir Francis."
"You, Miss Bannerworth! and do you hope I may escape the vengeance of these people—the populace?"
"I do, Sir Francis, most sincerely hope so. Why should I wish evil to you, especially at their hands?"
Sir Francis did not speak for a minute or two, and then he said, turning full upon Flora—
"I don't know why, Miss Bannerworth, that I should think so, but perhaps it is because there are peculiar circumstances connected with myself, that have made me feel conscious that I have not deserved so much goodness at your hands."
"You have not deserved any evil. Sir Francis, we could not do that if it were in our power; we would do you a service at any time."
"You have done so, Miss Bannerworth—the greatest that can be performed. You have saved my life."
At that moment Charles Holland entered, and Sir Francis bowed, as he said,—
"I hope you, Mr. Holland, have slept as well, and passed as good a night as I have passed?"
"I am glad you, at least, have passed a quiet one," said Charles Holland; "you, I dare say, feel all the better for it? How do you feel yourself? Are you much hurt?"