Her head drooped on her hands as she spoke; her spirit seemed broken.
"Listen, Ann," said Patience, "I will come to-morrow with Martha and fetch you out; you shall spend the whole day with us. We will go down the river. You shall breathe sweet, country air; it will strengthen you."
"It will, indeed!" said Ann. "I think I am cowardly because I am so much alone. But now you must be gone. It is getting late, and this neighbourhood is not safe at night; indeed, you must not go back by the river. Go to Holborn and find a coach there, so that you can be driven back."
Alarmed, Patience rose quickly. "Yes, we will go, Ann," she said; and they made their way out, down the stairs into the street. They had not gone far when they were accosted by a gentleman.
"Madam," he said, looking at Patience, "this is no place for such as you at this time in the evening."
"I have just been told so, sir," said Patience, "but I am a stranger to London. Cannot I procure a coach?"
"No," he answered sharply. "Step this way; you shall have mine."
Patience looked at him.
"I thank you kindly, sir," she said, "but before I can accept your offer, I must know who you are."
"I am Lord Craven," he answered; "you can trust me."