"She is as true, yes, truer, than you.

He who should have protected her has basely deserted her.

There is a reason which I do not care to explain, why I should care for her and I shall do it.

See that a fire is kindled in the west chamber, and go up yourself when it is made and see that all is comfortable.

Do you understand ?" and he gazed sternly at 'Lina, who was too much astonished to answer, even if she had been so disposed.
Quick as thought, 'Lina darted up a back stairway, and when, half an hour later, Hugh, hearing mysterious sounds above, and suspecting something wrong, went up to reconnoiter, he found Hannah industriously pulling the tacks from the carpet, preparatory to taking it up.