“I’ll have more time!” she determined, passionately. “No man alive shall hurry me faster than I like!”
At breakfast that morning (the morning of the 9th) the doctor was surprised in his study by a visit from Miss Gwilt.
“I want another day,” she said, the moment the servant had closed the door on her.
The doctor looked at her before he answered, and saw the danger of driving her to extremities plainly expressed in her face.
“The time is getting on,” he remonstrated, in his most persuasive manner. “For all we know to the contrary, Mr. Armadale may be here to-night.”
“I want another day!” she repeated, loudly and passionately.
“Granted!” said the doctor, looking nervously toward the door. “Don’t be too loud—the servants may hear you. Mind!” he added, “I depend on your honor not to press me for any further delay.”
“You had better depend on my despair,” she said, and left him.
The doctor chipped the shell of his egg, and laughed softly.
“Quite right, my dear!” he thought. “I remember where your despair led you in past times; and I think I may trust it to lead you the same way now.”