He had not been long gone before a thundering knock was heard at the door of the house where Amelia lodged, and presently after a figure all pale, ghastly, and almost breathless, rushed into the room where she then was with her children.
This figure Amelia soon recognised to be Mrs. Atkinson, though indeed she was so disguised that at her first entrance Amelia scarce knew her. Her eyes were sunk in her head, her hair dishevelled, and not only her dress but every feature in her face was in the utmost disorder.
Amelia was greatly shocked at this sight, and the little girl was much frightened; as for the boy, he immediately knew her, and, running to Amelia, he cried, 'La! mamma, what is the matter with poor Mrs. Atkinson?'
As soon as Mrs. Atkinson recovered her breath she cried out, 'O, Mrs. Booth! I am the most miserable of women--I have lost the best of husbands.'
Amelia, looking at her with all the tenderness imaginable, forgetting, I believe, that there had ever been any quarrel between them, said-- 'Good Heavens, madam, what's the matter?'
'O, Mrs. Booth!' answered she, 'I fear I have lost my husband: the doctor says there is but little hope of his life. O, madam! however I have been in the wrong, I am sure you will forgive me and pity me. I am sure I am severely punished; for to that cursed affair I owe all my misery.'
'Indeed, madam,' cries Amelia, 'I am extremely concerned for your misfortune. But pray tell me, hath anything happened to the serjeant?'
'O, madam!' cries she, 'I have the greatest reason to fear I shall lose him. The doctor hath almost given him over--he says he hath scarce any hopes. O, madam! that evening that the fatal quarrel happened between us my dear captain took it so to heart that he sat up all night and drank a whole bottle of brandy. Indeed, he said he wished to kill himself; for nothing could have hurt him so much in the world, he said, as to have any quarrel between you and me. His concern, and what he drank together, threw him into a high fever. So that, when I came home from my lord's--(for indeed, madam, I have been, and set all to rights--your reputation is now in no danger)-- when I came home, I say, I found the poor man in a raving delirious fit, and in that he hath continued ever since till about an hour ago, when he came perfectly to his senses; but now he says he is sure he shall die, and begs for Heaven's sake to see you first. Would you, madam, would you have the goodness to grant my poor captain's desire? consider he is a dying man, and neither he nor I shall ever ask you a second favour. He says he hath something to say to you that he can mention to no other person, and that he cannot die in peace unless he sees you.'
'Upon my word, madam,' cries Amelia, 'I am extremely concerned at what you tell me. I knew the poor serjeant from his infancy, and always had an affection for him, as I think him to be one of the best-natured and honestest creatures upon earth. I am sure if I could do him any service--but of what use can my going be?'
'Of the highest in the world,' answered Mrs. Atkinson. 'If you knew how earnestly he entreated it, how his poor breaking heart begged to see you, you would not refuse.'
'Nay, I do not absolutely refuse,' cries Amelia. 'Something to say to me of consequence, and that he could not die in peace unless he said it! did he say that, Mrs. Atkinson?'
'Upon my honour he did,' answered she, 'and much more than I have related.'
'Well, I will go with you,' cries Amelia. 'I cannot guess what this should be; but I will go.'
Mrs. Atkinson then poured out a thousand blessings and thanksgivings; and, taking hold of Amelia's hand, and eagerly kissing it, cried out, 'How could that fury passion drive me to quarrel with such a creature?'
Amelia told her she had forgiven and forgot it; and then, calling up the mistress of the house, and committing to her the care of the children, she cloaked herself up as well as she could and set out with Mrs. Atkinson.
