"Please to walk up stairs," squeaked the attorney, drawing her after him to the inside of the door, which he immediately closed and bolted.
"Not a step further, sir!" said she, with as much firmness as she could command. "What means this? Am I again betrayed?"
"Nay, nay, madam, walk up quietly," said De Guy, in a soothing tone, as he applied a little gentle force to the arm he held.
"Unhand me, sir!" screamed Emily, as loud as her agitated condition would permit.
But De Guy heeded her not; and, without condescending to utter another word, he took her up like a child, and bore her up the stairs to Maxwell's office. Turning the key to prevent interruption, he opened the lawyer's private apartment in the rear, and placed the fainting girl upon the bed, and retired.
Unlocking the office door, he was confronted by an old negress, who had charge of the sweeping and cleaning department of the building.
"Sar! what's all dis about?" screamed she, in no gentle tone; for the colored lady had witnessed De Guy's achievement from the stair-case above.
"Hush, Dido—"
"Sar! who are you dat come inter Massa Maxwell's room widout no leave?"
"Never mind who I am, Dido. There is a lady in the bedroom, by whom Mr. Maxwell sets his life—do you hear?—sets his life. She has fainted, and you must take care of her,"—and De Guy slipped a half-eagle into the negress' hands.