"'MADAM,' SAID I, 'IF YOU ARE IN ANY TROUBLE AND NEED A PROTECTOR, MY SWORD AND LIFE ARE AT YOUR SERVICE.'"
"Come, child," he said, "I begin to weary of this nonsense; I don't want a crying baby on my hands."
"I can't help crying," she said.
"You must help it, my lady; people will think strange things to see your red eyes, and perhaps spoil the sport."
My carriage was being brought round, and the sound of it made the man prick up his ears. At the same moment an idea shot into my head.
"The chaise is ready," Northfield said; "quick, drink something at least, if you cannot eat."
He filled a glass with wine, and I could have sworn he adroitly dropped some accursed powder into it.
"Drink," he said, pushing it towards her.
"You are mistaken," said I: "that carriage is mine."