"You needn't touch me, if you will have it so.

But I can help you.

And I can help Simon; he's not safe in Dover." She had grown grave, but she ended with another laugh, "You needn't touch me.

My maid is a good girl--yes, it's true--and she shall tend you." "For pity's sake, Mistress Barbara----" I began.
"Hush," said Nell, waving me back with a motion of her hand.

Barbara now stood still in the middle of the room.