There was
no time now to think--there was only time to give the medicine. Dear Mr.
Godfrey unconsciously assisted me in concealing what I was about from
Rachel, by speaking composing words to her at the other end of the room.
"Indeed, indeed, you exaggerate," I heard him say. "My reputation stands
too high to be destroyed by a miserable passing scandal like this. It
will be all forgotten in another week. Let us never speak of it again."
She was perfectly inaccessible, even to such generosity as this. She
went on from bad to worse.
"I must, and will, stop it," she said. "Mamma! hear what I say. Miss
Clack! hear what I say. I know the hand that took the Moonstone. I
know--" she laid a strong emphasis on the words; she stamped her foot in
the rage that possessed her--"I KNOW THAT GODFREY ABLEWHITE IS INNOCENT.
Take me to the magistrate, Godfrey! Take me to the magistrate, and I
will swear it!"
My aunt caught me by the hand, and whispered, "Stand between us for a
minute or two. Don't let Rachel see me." I noticed a bluish tinge in her
face which alarmed me. She saw I was startled. "The drops will put me
right in a minute or two," she said, and so closed her eyes, and waited
a little.
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