"I
ain't here with supper, madam," sneered the woman, as Nell started up
and approached her. "You're not to have a mouthful to eat jest at
present; that's the compliments your husband sends."
But Nell did not seem to appreciate the gross wit of her keeper.
"I am not hungry, woman, but I appeal to you to permit me to go from
this place. I shall die here in a short time."
"Die then! Nothing would please me better than to witness your last
struggles," and Mrs. Scarlet emitted a laugh that was horrible to
hear.
Nell had much of the determined spirit of her daring brother in her
composition. She was not yet ready to give up all hope and fall
crushed in despair. Her right hand grasped the butt of the little
derringer she had been thoughtful enough to provide herself with
before leaving home.
"Will nothing move you, woman?"
"Nothing," sneered Mrs. Scarlet. "Your brother sent my husband to a
dungeon, and to his death, and for that and other wicked work of his,
I mean to be avenged. I shall cause him to suffer through his sister.
You imagine the handsome Elliston a monster, I reckon, but _I_ will
show you that he is but a child compared to Madge Scarlet."
"Stop; I do not care to listen to you.
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