"You have been poisoned by that stuff long enough, and I am going to put a stop to it.
Now get into bed, and be reasonable! Biddy, you clear out and do the same! You can leave the door ajar if you like.

I'll call you if you are wanted." He pointed to the half-open door that led into the small adjoining room in which Biddy slept.

The old woman stood and stared at him with consternation in her beady eyes.
"Is it meself that could do such a thing ?" she protested.

"I never leave my young lady till she's asleep, Sir Eustace.

I'd sooner come under the curse of the Almighty." He raised his brows momentarily, but he kept his hand upon his sister.