"
I suspected that the lady was Frances, so I hastened to the gate and
found, not my cousin, but Betty. I knew her the moment I saw her, despite
the fact that she wore a full vizard and a long cloak. I also knew that
nothing less than a matter of great urgency would have induced the girl
to call for me at the palace.
The snow, which had been falling all day, was now coming in horizontal
sheets, laden with sleet. The wind was blowing half a gale, and the
weather was turning bitterly cold, yet Betty had come to seek me, despite
weather and modesty. Eager to hear her errand, I led her toward Charing
Cross, and when we were away from the gate, asked:--
"What brings you, Bettina? I know it must be a matter of great urgency
that has induced you to venture forth in this terrible storm. What can I
do for you?"
"Nothing for me, Baron Ned," she answered, taking my arm and huddling
close to my side for protection against the storm.
"For whom, then? Tell me quickly," I asked.
"I fear Mistress Jennings is in trouble," she answered. "Soon after you
and Master Hamilton left the Old Swan, a girl came to me in my parlor and
told me that as she was passing a coach standing in front of Baynard's
Castle two hours or more ago, a lady called to her from the coach window
and told her to tell me that Mistress Jones was in great trouble; that
she had been seized by two men who were carrying her away.
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