She went through the kitchen at Huntercombe: she was so well known
there, nobody objected: she flew up the stairs, and into Lady Bassett's
bedroom. "Oh, my lady! my lady!"
Lady Bassett screamed, at her sudden entrance and wild appearance.
Mary Meyrick told her all in a few wild words. She wrung her hands with
a great fear.
"It's no time for that," cried Mary, fiercely. "Come down this moment,
and save him."
"How can I?"
"You must! You shall!" cried the other. "Don't ask me how. Don't sit
wringing your hands, woman. If you are not there in five minutes to
save him, I'll tell all."
"Have mercy on me!" cried Lady Bassett. "I gave him money, I sent him
away. It's not my fault."
"No matter; he must be saved, or I'll ruin you. I can't stay here: I
must be there, and so must you."
She rushed down the stairs, and tried to get into the justice-room, but
admission was refused her.
Then she gave a sort of wild snarl, and ran round to the small room
adjoining the justice-room. Through this she penetrated, and entered
the justice-room, but not in time to prevent the evidence from being
laid before Sir Charles.
What took place in the meantime was briefly this: The prisoner,
handcuffed now instead of tied, was introduced between the constable
and his assistant; the door was locked, and Sir Charles received Mr.
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