human
Dear me, Sarah; what's up? said Mary, kissing her.
gpt
What a scare you gave me!
human
You have been up all night, Sarah, said Silas Jones, reproachfully, leading her in, as he again locked the door.
gpt
However, as this is the earliest kiss I have ever had, I shall not scold you too much; but whom have you been looking nearer your own grave for this time, Sarah? You have been nursing again, I suppose, and are returning to Broadlawns?
human
How you chatter, Silas, dear; Sarah can't get in a word edgeways,
gpt
I was only giving our Sarah time to catch her breath, she has been running and is cold, he said, rubbing her hands.
human
Make her a hot drink over the spirit-lamp, Mary, please.
gpt
The very thing, Silas, dear; what a good man you will make our Sarah; here, drink this, Sarah, and promise to marry Silas this day week (my wedding-day too, Sarah), for indeed, you want someone to make you stay in your bed o' nights.
human
Yes, Sarah, dear, Mary is right; for it's my belief the wretches at Broadlawns wish to see you in your grave, seeing as you know too much.
gpt
Oh, Silas, that young man, Mr. Cole, came; and they have married him to Miss Villiers, instead of our sweet Miss Pearl,
human
You don't say, Sarah; what a fearful piece of wickedness,
gpt
I am not surprised at any villainy on their part, said Silas, with knitted brows.
human
Let me see, the will reads, on Miss Pearl coming of age and marrying young Mr. Cole, she inherits all (so Dr. Annesley told me, and, by the way, he sent me word he wants to see me); well they have got rid, the de'il knows how, of Miss Pearl, and this ugly vixen marries the man to inherit; bad business, their having similar Christian names; so it's from there you come, and not from sick nursing? Tell us all, dear.
gpt
Well, Silas, that's just what I ran here for, for they've as good as turned me out, at least, I am to go at daybreak, and----
human
Did they dare to turn you out, you a lady born, though their drudge--faithful in nursing, faithful in your housekeeping. Shielding them, when you could have put the blood-hounds of the law on their track, hoping things would right themselves in this very marriage; but to Miss Pearl--turn you out, after wasting your youth and mine in a martyr's life, to see that right was eventually done to the innocent daughter of your dead friend, growing literally grey in this self-imposed duty, while we both lived lonely lives apart, when they should be in a felon's dock for breach of trust; never mind, it is my turn now, they shall be exposed, and compelled to disgorge; Miss Pearl must be found, Mrs. Mansfield may know something.
gpt
Mrs. Mansfield, yes, Silas, that is where Mr. Stone is going to drive me at seven sharp this a.m., and, oh dear, it is near six; I must hasten back, else they may make me black in Bayswater, for they have called me a hussy to-night, Silas, because I went to poor Mr. Cole's bedroom, who is very ill, and he was sorry when they turned me out, Silas, for he knows he has fallen into their net, and he is ill in mind and body; God help him. He is kindly and handsome, is yielding and pliable, and so an easy prey; he was to have met his father, he tells me. Ah, he would have saved him, but he is ill, he learned on his arrival, and away off across the sea at Montreal; but I had to come and tell you, Silas, for I missed you last evening, when they sent me to the city, so I should be out of the way, and alas! I came back too late to save him,
human
Don't go near them again, Sarah,
gpt
Yes, Sarah, that's it; stay with us, and we will pet and nurse you, and you will be my wife.
human
No dears, I could not remain inactive so near poor Mr. Cole; he hates them as his enemies, it is best for me to go to Mrs. Mansfield, I shall be near Dr. Annesley, and must see what can be done; you will come and see me at Mrs. Mansfield's, so good-bye, now, dears.
gpt
I shall come to the city to-morrow, Sarah, so look out for me, dear,
human
You shouldn't be parting us at all, Sarah,
gpt
But only for a few days, Mary.
human
You must marry me this day week, Sarah, dear, for somehow I feel as if evil will come to you parted from me; promise, it will bridge the time,
gpt
I promise.