"
Nelly hesitated, and George, seeing that Frances was about to speak,
turned upon her, almost angrily:--
"Please go before greater trouble comes. I could not hold out for another
fight. I am almost finished. Let the king fight the battles of his
friends. The ruffian that escaped will return with re-enforcements, and I
am not able to fight them again."
"Oh, but she is not the king's friend, as you suppose, as my idle words
might lead you to believe," returned Nelly, pleadingly.
George rose from the tub over which he was standing and answered: "Show
your gratitude for what I have done by going at once."
Seeing that George was in earnest, Nelly left the courtyard, leading
reluctant Frances by the hand. Hamilton's supposed crime had been
forgotten, and I believe would have been forgiven had he permitted
Frances the opportunity at that time.
When Frances and Nelly reached the street, Frances said, "I must see him
again to tell him that I am not--"
"What I am," interrupted Nelly. "Do not fear to speak plainly. I am
content with myself. But I shall take measures at once to convince George
that you are what you are. I'll set you right with him."
"I'll return and explain for myself," insisted Frances.
"He will refuse to hear you. If you wish, I'll leave you at the barge and
go back to explain to him."
Frances consenting, they went back to the barge, and Nelly, returning to
the tavern, sought Betty.
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