Part 64 (1/2)

A prisoner, indeed, and the chains seemed to fetter and weigh her down as, without a word, her eyes fixed and gazing straight before her, she walked by him into the hall, mastered the wild agonising desire to fling herself at the door and call for help, and went slowly to the stairs, catching sight of the pale bandaged face peering over the bal.u.s.trade and then drawn back to disappear.

But as Kate saw it a gleam of hope shot through the darkness. Poor Becky--letters--appeals for help to Jenny Leigh. Could she not get a message sent by the hand of the strange-looking, shrinking girl?

She went on steadily up towards her room, without once turning her head, feeling conscious that Garstang was standing below watching her; but by the time she reached the first landing there was the sound of a faint cough and steps crossing to the dining-room, and she breathed more freely, and glanced downward as she turned to ascend the second flight.

The hall was vacant, and looking toward the doorway through which Becky had glided, she called to her in a low, excited whisper:

”Becky! Becky!”

But there was no reply, and hurrying up the rest of the way she followed the girl, entered the room into which she had pa.s.sed, and found her standing in the att.i.tude of one listening intently.

”Becky, I want to speak to you,” she whispered; but the girl darted to a door at the other end, and was gliding through into the dressing-room, through which she could reach the staircase.

This time Kate was too quick for her, and caught her by the dress, the girl uttering a low moan, full of despair, and hanging away with all her might, keeping her face averted the while.

”Don't, don't do that,” whispered Kate, excitedly. ”Why are you afraid of me?”

”Let me go; oh! please let me go.”

”Yes, directly,” whispered Kate, still holding her tightly; ”but please, Becky, I want you to help me. I am in great trouble, dear--great trouble.”

”Eh?” said the girl, faintly, ”you?”

”Yes, and I do so want help. Will you do something for me?”

”No, I can't,” whispered the girl. ”I'm no use; I oughtn't to be here; don't look at me, please; and pray, pray let me go.”

”Yes, I will, dear; but you will help me. Come to my room when your mother has been.”

The girl turned her white grotesque face, and stared at her with dilated eyes.

”You will, won't you?”

Becky shook her head.

”Not to help a poor sister in distress?” said Kate, appealingly.

”You ain't my sister, and I must go. If he knew I'd talked to you he'd be so cross.”

With a sudden s.n.a.t.c.h the girl released her dress and fled, leaving Kate striving hard to keep back her tears, as she went on to the broad landing and reached her room, thinking of the little library and the account she had heard of the former occupant, who found life too weary for him, and had sought rest.

Her first impulse was to lock her door, but feeling that she had nothing immediate to fear, and that perhaps a display of acquiescence in Garstang's plans might help her to escape, she sat down to think, or rather try to think, for her brain was in a whirl, and thought crowded out thought before she had time to grasp one.

But she had hardly commenced her fight when there was a tap at the door, and Sarah Plant entered with a breakfast tray, looking smiling and animated.

”I'm so sorry, ma'am; but I've made you a very strong cup of tea, and your breakfast will do you good. There. Now let me help you off with your things.”

”No, no, never mind now. Mrs Plant, will you do something to help me?”

”Of course, I will, ma'am. There isn't anything I wouldn't do for you.”