"Yes, directly," whispered Kate, still holding her tightly; "but please, Becky, I want you to help me. I am in great trouble, dear--great trouble." "Eh?" said the girl, faintly, "you?" "Yes, and I do so want help. Will you do something for me?" "No, I can't," whispered the girl. "I'm no use; I oughtn't to be here; don't look at me, please; and pray, pray let me go." "Yes, I will, dear; but you will help me. Come to my room when your mother has been." The girl turned her white grotesque face, and stared at her with dilated eyes. "You will, won't you?" Becky shook her head. "Not to help a poor sister in distress?" said Kate, appealingly. "You ain't my sister, and I must go. If he knew I'd talked to you he'd be so cross." With a sudden snatch the girl released her dress and fled, leaving Kate striving hard to keep back her tears, as she went on to the broad landing and reached her room, thinking of the little library and the account she had heard of the former occupant, who found life too weary for him, and had sought rest. Her first impulse was to lock her door, but feeling that she had nothing immediate to fear, and that perhaps a display of acquiescence in Garstang's plans might help her to escape, she sat down to think, or rather try to think, for her brain was in a whirl, and thought crowded out thought before she had time to grasp one. But she had hardly commenced her fight when there was a tap at the door, and Sarah Plant entered with a breakfast tray, looking smiling and animated. "I'm so sorry, ma'am; but I've made you a very strong cup of tea, and your breakfast will do you good. There. Now let me help you off with your things." "No, no, never mind now. Mrs Plant, will you do something to help me?" "Of course, I will, ma'am. There isn't anything I wouldn't do for you." "Why are you smiling at me in that way?" "Me smiling, ma'am? Was I? Oh, nothing." "I insist upon your telling me. Ah, you know what has taken place." "Well, well, ma'am, please don't be angry with me for it. You did give the bell such a peal last night, you quite startled me." "Then you do know everything?" "Well, yes, ma'am; you see, I couldn't help it. Me and poor Becky always knew that you were to be the new missis here from the day you came." "No, it is impossible. I must go away from here at once." "Lor', my dear, don't you take it like that! Why, what is there to mind? Master is one of the dearest and best of men; and think what a chance it is for you, and what a home." "Oh, silence; don't talk like that! I tell you it is impossible." "Ah, that's because you're thinking about Master being a bit older than you are. But what of that? My poor dear man was twice as old as me, and he never had but one fault--he would die too soon." "I tell you it is impossible, my good woman," cried Kate, imperiously. "I have been entrapped and deceived, and I call upon you, as a woman, to help me." "Yes, ma'am, of course I'll help you."