You keep watch, as you have had your sleep."
Hope was quite agreeable, but just as Random composed himself to
uneasy slumber, Jane, haggard and red-eyed, came hastily into the
dining-room.
"If you please, gentlemen, the doctor wants you to come and see
mistress. She is sensible, and--"
The two waited to hear no more, but went hastily but softly into
the room wherein lay the dying woman. Robinson sat by the
bedside, holding his patient's hand and feeling her pulse. He
placed his finger on his lips as the men entered gently, and at
the same moment Mrs. Jasher's voice, weak from exhaustion,
sounded through the room, which was dimly illuminated by one
candle. The newcomers halted in obedience to Robinson's signal.
"Who is there?" asked Mrs. Jasher weakly, for, in spite of the
care exercised, she had evidently heard the footsteps.
"Mr. Hope and Sir Frank Random," whispered the doctor, speaking
into the dying woman's ear. "They came in time to save you."
"In time to see me die," she murmured; "and I can't die, unless
I tell the truth. I am glad Random is there; he is a kind-hearted
boy, and treated me better than he need have done. I--oh--some
brandy--brandy."
Robinson gave her some in a spoon.
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