Hamilton was not to be seen, and in reply to
Nelly's inquiries, Betty told her that he had fainted at the pump and had
been taken upstairs to a room.
"His wounds are deeper than he supposed," said Betty, "and the loss of
blood has been very great. We have sent for a surgeon."
"I'll go to see him," said Nelly.
"No," returned Betty, shaking her head emphatically. "Father says that
fever may set in, and that Master Hamilton must not be disturbed. You
cannot see him."
"Have your way, Betty," answered good-natured Nell. "And Betty dear, I
was only teasing you about the table linen."
"I understand. Just a little sport with the barmaid," returned Betty, a
note of sarcasm ringing sharply in her usually soft voice.
"Yes, Betty. I'm sorry. Forgive me. Here are two guineas."
"I don't want them," answered Betty, clasping her hands behind her.
"Again forgive me," said Nelly. "I have been wrong altogether in my
opinion of you. You are a good, beautiful girl, and I'm coming back to
see you very soon."
"Please don't come on my account, Mistress Gwynn," returned Betty.
"No, I shall come on my account," replied Nell, coaxingly. "I'll go now
for fear of making more trouble for you, but I intend to be your friend,
and you shall be mine. When Nelly makes up her mind to have a friend, she
always has her way. Good-by, Betty."
Betty courtesied, and Nelly left the Old Swan, returning at once to
Frances, who was waiting in the barge.
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