If no longer my sister, she is still dear to me.
And recollect that I owe a deep debt of gratitude to her mother--a debt I can never pay." "How so ?" cried Mistress Nutter.

"You owe her nothing--but the contrary." "I owe her a life," said Alizon.

"Was not her infant's blood poured out for mine! And shall I not save the child left her, if I can ?" "I shall not oppose your inclinations," replied Mistress Nutter, with reluctant assent; "but Elizabeth, I suspect, will thank you little for your interference." "Not now, perhaps," returned Alizon; "but a time will come when she will do so." While this conversation took place, it had been rapidly growing dark, and the gloom at length increased so much, that the speakers could scarcely see each other's faces.

The sudden and portentous darkness was accounted for by a vivid flash of lightning, followed by a low growl of thunder rumbling over Whalley Nab.

The mother and daughter drew close together, and Mistress Nutter passed her arm round Alizon's neck.
The storm came quickly on, with forked and dangerous lightning, and loud claps of thunder threatening mischief.