But I refused, saying that I did not
care a farthing what he did respecting Hamilton. You must find him, Baron
Ned! Find him at once and give him warning!"
"I feel sure that Betty knows where he is," I answered. "I'll go to her
to-morrow."
"Yes, she may know, and I would save him if I could," answered Frances,
trying hard to hold back the tears. "I wronged him cruelly, and now I
fear it is too late to make amends. I can only moan and weep, and long
to ask him to forgive me and to tell him that I am not the creature he
thinks I am. I would speak plainly to him for once of what I am and of
what I feel for him, and then I am ready to part from him forever and to
marry Tyrconnel or any one else who will give me wealth."
The following day Frances asked and received permission from the duchess
to spend the day with Sir Richard. I offered to accompany her, but she
refused so emphatically that I suspected there was a purpose in her mind
over and above a mere visit to her father's house.
I remember well the day. It was near the hour of ten when I saw her
leave the palace by the garden door. She wore a long dark cloak, a small
bonnet, and a full vizard which covered her entire face. I had never
known her to wear so large a vizard, as she detested even small ones, and
wore them only out of respect for the prevailing fashion. She hastened
toward the King Street Gate, and I, following at a short distance, saw
her take boat at the Charing Cross stairs.
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