She turned her eyes on me, and her whisper sounded clear through all the room.
"Is it---- ?" she asked.
"It is Mistress Eleanor Gwyn," said I, bowing my head.
Nell laughed a short strange laugh; I saw her breast rise and fall, and a bright red patch marked either cheek.
"Yes, I'm Nelly," said she, and laughed again.
Barbara's eyes met hers.
"You were at Hatchstead ?" "Yes," said Nell, and now she smiled defiantly; but in a moment she sprang forward, for Barbara had reeled, and seemed like to faint again and fall.

A proud motion of the hand forbade Nell's approach, but weakness baffled pride, and now perforce Barbara caught at her hand.
"I--I can go in a moment," stammered Barbara.

"But----." Nell held one hand.

Very slowly, very timidly, with fear and shame plain on her face, she drew nearer, and put out her other hand to Barbara.
Barbara did not resist her, but let her come nearer; Nell's glance warned me not to move, and I stood where I was, watching them.

Now the clasp of the hand was changed for a touch on the shoulder, now the comforting arm sank to the waist and stole round it, full as timidly as ever gallant's round a denying mistress; still I watched, and I met Nell's bright eyes, which looked across at me wet and sparkling.