And pushing forcibly against the door, he burst it open, and, directed by the cries, entered a room on the right.
The watchman's statement proved correct.

Stretched upon a bed in one corner lay the body of a beautiful girl, while the poor mother was bending over it in a state bordering on distraction.

On seeing Thirlby, she fled to the further end of the room, but did not desist from her cries.

In fact, she was unable to do so, being under the dominion of the wildest hysterical passion.

In vain Thirlby endeavoured to make her comprehend by signs the nature of his errand.