"
George went to the pump in the courtyard, followed by Betty, after whom
came Nelly and Frances. Betty was proceeding to wash George's wounds,
when Nelly offered to take the towel from her hand, but the girl refused
with a touch of anger, saying:--
"Please do not interfere, Mistress Gwynn. You and the duchess stood by
gaping while he was fighting to protect you. He would have been dead by
now if he had waited for help from either of you. I advise you to leave
the Old Swan, but don't forget to pay your bill to the barboy."
"Never mind the bill," said Pickering, who was at the pump handle. "But
please take my daughter's advice and go."
"Go where you may find guinea linen. Persons of your quality make too
much trouble at the Old Swan," interposed Betty, who was not in a good
temper.
At first Nelly was inclined to resent Betty's sharp words, but in a
moment she returned softly:--
"You're right, girl. You have earned the privilege to scold."
"And please forgive us," said Frances, to which Betty did not reply.
"Where are your wounds?" asked Nelly, addressing George. "Off with your
clothes and let us see."
"Not here, Nelly, not here," he answered, bending over the tub in front
of the pump. "My wounds are mere trifles. Only a scratch or two on the
scalp and a pink or two on the arms. Take Betty's advice. Leave at once.
This is no place for your friend. The society of our virtuous monarch
doubtless will be far more congenial.
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