But she nodded insistently, evidently much surprised and perhaps a little shocked.
By the time Betty and I had concluded this interchange of ideas, Hamilton and Frances were by my side.
"Why are you here ?" asked Hamilton, turning to me and then to Betty.
"I had to bring him," answered Betty.

"You told me to tell no one, but I had to tell Mistress Jennings because she cried, and I had to bring Baron Ned because he stormed and said that he knew Mistress Jennings had come to see you." I supplemented Betty's answer by saying: "I was sure Frances had come to the Old Swan to see you, so I followed, arriving just in time to see her cross the courtyard.

I sought Betty and asked her to tell me where you were and where my cousin had gone.

Just then three sheriffs arrived, searching for you, and I had to wait until Betty got rid of them.

Now, here I am, waiting to take my cousin home." "But what if your cousin will not go home until she is ready, and does not desire your escort ?" asked Frances.
"In that case, I should advise her to make ready at once," I replied.
"And if she does not want your advice ?" returned Frances.
"In that case, I should limit my advice to a mere recommendation that she wash the ink stains from her lips, eyes, and cheeks.