I will fight
bravely to the last. And now, in this most bitter trial of my life, the
experience of my miserable youth shall serve in the contest with that
villain."
She would brook no delay; she would explain nothing.
"Do not question me," she repeated. "You have counselled me to trust in
the experience of Mr. Larkspur, and I will confide myself to his
wisdom; but I must and will accompany him in his search for my child.
Let a post-chaise be ordered immediately. Can you dispense with rest,
and take a hurried dinner before you start, Mr. Larkspur?" she added,
turning to her ally.
"Dispense with rest? Bless your innocent heart, my lady, I don't know
the meaning of rest when I'm in business; and as for dinner, a ham
sandwich and a glass of brandy out of a pocket-pistol is as much as I
ask for when my blood's up." "You shall be richly rewarded for your
exertions."
"Thank you kindly, ma'am. The promise of a reward is very encouraging,
of course; but, upon my word, my heart's more in this business than it
ever was before in anything under a murder; and I feel as if it was in
me to do wonders."
No more was said. Andrew Larkspur hurried away to eat as good a dinner
as he could get through in ten minutes, and Honoria went to her
dressing-room to prepare herself for her journey.
"Pray for me, kind and faithful friend," she said, earnestly, as she
bade adieu to the captain.
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