But no -
he never could do that, he might do what he liked with weaker
minds, but she never would be a bride of his while the plague or
poison was to be had in London. And with this invincible
determination rooted fixedly, not to say obstinately, in her
mind, she was nearly pitched overboard by the boat suddenly
landing at some unexpected place. A little natural scream of
terror was repressed on her lips by a hand being placed over
them, and the determined but perfectly respectful tones of the
person beside her speaking.
"Remember your promise, lady, and do not make a noise. We have
arrived at our journey's end, and if you will take my arm, I will
lead you along, instead of carrying you."
Leoline was rather surprised to find the journey so short, but
she arose directly, with silence and dignity - at least with as
much of the latter commodity as could be reasonably expected,
considering that boats on water are rather unsteady things to be
dignified in - and was led gently and with care out of the
swaying vessel, and up another flight of stairs. Then, in a few
moments, she was conscious of passing from the free night air
into the closer atmosphere of a house; and in going through an
endless labyrinth of corridors, and passages, and suites of
rooms, and flights of stairs, until she became so extremely
tired, that she stopped with spirited abruptness, and in the
plainest possible English, gave her conductor to understand that
they had gone about far enough for all practical purposes.
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