Her face was burning. She felt as though it would be an infinite relief
to sink through the floor. The floor not being practicable for the
purpose, she stole a look at Mrs. Sharpe; but Mrs. Sharpe sat with the
face of a wooden figure-head, intent on the business of eating and
drinking.
"Miriam and I had a long and confidential talk," the young artist
continued, "and came to the conclusion that Doctor Oleander was at the
bottom of the matter, and that, wherever you were, you were an unwilling
prisoner. Of course, to a gentleman of my knight-errantry, that was
sufficient to fire my blood. I put lance in rest, buckled on my armor,
mounted my prancing charger, and set off to the ogre's castle to rescue
the captive maiden! And for the rest, you know it. I came, I saw, I
conquered--Doctor Oleander!"
"Which means," Mollie said, trying to laugh, "you imposed Mrs. Sharpe
here upon Doctor Oleander as the nurse for his purpose, and fooled him
to the top of his bent. Well, Mr. Ingelow, you have gone to a great deal
of trouble on my account, and I am very much obliged to you.
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