Mrs.Bolton was still seated with her back to the windows; but she had heard the steps on the gravel, and the opening of the kitchen-door; and she understood Hester's words, and was aware that her husband's sons were in the house.
They had agreed as to what should be done, and at once made their way up into the hall.

'William, you will make them let me go.

You will make them let me go,' said Hester, rushing at once to the elder of the two, and holding out her baby as though for him to take.

She was now in a state so excited, so nervous, so nearly hysterical, that she was hardly able to control herself.

'You will not let them kill me, William,--me and my baby.' He kissed her and said a kind word or two, and then, inquiring after his father, passed on up-stairs.