"Never mind the bill," said Pickering, who was at the pump handle. "But please take my daughter's advice and go." "Go where you may find guinea linen. Persons of your quality make too much trouble at the Old Swan," interposed Betty, who was not in a good temper. At first Nelly was inclined to resent Betty's sharp words, but in a moment she returned softly:-- "You're right, girl. You have earned the privilege to scold." "And please forgive us," said Frances, to which Betty did not reply. "Where are your wounds?" asked Nelly, addressing George. "Off with your clothes and let us see." "Not here, Nelly, not here," he answered, bending over the tub in front of the pump. "My wounds are mere trifles. Only a scratch or two on the scalp and a pink or two on the arms. Take Betty's advice. Leave at once. This is no place for your friend. The society of our virtuous monarch doubtless will be far more congenial." Nelly hesitated, and George, seeing that Frances was about to speak, turned upon her, almost angrily:-- "Please go before greater trouble comes. I could not hold out for another fight. I am almost finished. Let the king fight the battles of his friends. The ruffian that escaped will return with re-enforcements, and I am not able to fight them again." "Oh, but she is not the king's friend, as you suppose, as my idle words might lead you to believe," returned Nelly, pleadingly. George rose from the tub over which he was standing and answered: "Show your gratitude for what I have done by going at once." Seeing that George was in earnest, Nelly left the courtyard, leading reluctant Frances by the hand. Hamilton's supposed crime had been forgotten, and I believe would have been forgiven had he permitted Frances the opportunity at that time. When Frances and Nelly reached the street, Frances said, "I must see him again to tell him that I am not--" "What I am," interrupted Nelly. "Do not fear to speak plainly. I am content with myself. But I shall take measures at once to convince George that you are what you are. I'll set you right with him." "I'll return and explain for myself," insisted Frances. "He will refuse to hear you. If you wish, I'll leave you at the barge and go back to explain to him." Frances consenting, they went back to the barge, and Nelly, returning to the tavern, sought Betty. Hamilton was not to be seen, and in reply to Nelly's inquiries, Betty told her that he had fainted at the pump and had been taken upstairs to a room. "His wounds are deeper than he supposed," said Betty, "and the loss of blood has been very great. We have sent for a surgeon." "I'll go to see him," said Nelly. "No," returned Betty, shaking her head emphatically. "Father says that fever may set in, and that Master Hamilton must not be disturbed. You cannot see him." "Have your way, Betty," answered good-natured Nell. "And Betty dear, I was only teasing you about the table linen."