No weapon had she, not even a teapot, but she ran bravely in, knelt behind one of the ruffians, and when an opportunity came, seized him by the foot, bringing him down to the floor with a thud.

Quickly another foot was in Betty's deadly grasp, and another man fell, leaving only one assailant standing, whom Hamilton soon routed.

The two men on the floor attempted to rise, but Betty clung to their feet, and George's sword quieted them.
When George was satisfied that the ruffians would not try again to introduce themselves to the duchess and the princess, he wiped his sword on Betty's five shilling table linen, remarking:-- "I thank you, Betty dear.

You came into the fight just in time to save my life.

Another half minute and I should have needed a coffin." He was breathing heavily and spoke with great effort.
When George had sheathed his sword, he started to leave the room without speaking to Frances or Nelly, but before he reached the door, Frances called out faintly:-- "Master Hamilton! Please wait, Master Hamilton!" For the moment she forgot the cause of her hatred of him, forgot that he had been implicated in Roger's murder, as she supposed, forgot everything in all the broad world save her love for him, and that he had just been at death's door in her defence.
Hamilton stopped a little short of the door, and Frances ran to him, calling softly: "Oh, sir, wait! Forgive me! I do know you! A moment since I did not know you, but now--Oh, I must have made a terrible mistake! I have judged you wrongfully.