"We have a year yet," she gasped. "Dear, take me by force before it ends. I--I simply cannot endure this. I told you to take me--to tear me from myself. Will you do it? I will love you--truly, truly! Oh, my darling, my darling! Don't--don't give me up! Can't you do something for us? Can't you--"
"Will you come with me now?"
"How can--"
"Will you?"
A sudden sound broke out in the night--the distant pealing of the lodge-gate bell. Startled, she shrank back; somebody in the adjoining room had sprung to the floor and was opening the window.
"What is it?" she motioned with whitening lips. "Quick! oh, quick, before you are seen! Grace may come! I--I beg of you to go!"
As he stepped into the corridor he heard, below, a sound at the great door, and the stirring of the night watchman on post. At his own door he turned, listening to the movement and whispering. Ferrall, in dressing-gown and slippers, stepped into the corridor; below, the chains were rattling as the wicket swung open. There was a brief parley at the door, sounds of retreating steps on the gravel outside, sounds of approaching steps on the stairway.
"What's that? A telegram?" said Ferrall sharply. "Here, give it to me. … Wait! It isn't for me. It's for Mr Siward!"
Siward, standing at his open door, swayed slightly. A thrill of pure fear struck him through and through. He laid one hand on the door to steady himself, and stepped forward as Ferrall came up.
"Oh! You're awake, Stephen. Here's a telegram." He extended his hand. Siward took the yellow envelope, fumbled it, tore it open.
"Good God!" whispered Ferrall; "is it bad?"
And Siward's glazed eyes stared and stared at the scrawled and inky message: "YOUR MOTHER IS VERY ILL. COME AT ONCE."
The signature was the name of their family physician, Grisby.