Eager to hear her errand, I led her toward Charing Cross, and when we were away from the gate, asked:-- "What brings you, Bettina?
I know it must be a matter of great urgency that has induced you to venture forth in this terrible storm.

What can I do for you ?" "Nothing for me, Baron Ned," she answered, taking my arm and huddling close to my side for protection against the storm.
"For whom, then?
Tell me quickly," I asked.
"I fear Mistress Jennings is in trouble," she answered.

"Soon after you and Master Hamilton left the Old Swan, a girl came to me in my parlor and told me that as she was passing a coach standing in front of Baynard's Castle two hours or more ago, a lady called to her from the coach window and told her to tell me that Mistress Jones was in great trouble; that she had been seized by two men who were carrying her away.

She said the lady was bound hand and foot, and that immediately after she had spoken, two gentlemen came from Baynard's Castle, entered the coach, and drove toward Temple Bar.

The girl said she followed the coach till she saw it turn into the Strand beyond Temple Bar; then she came to see me." "Did the girl say at what hour she saw the lady, Mistress Jones ?" I asked.