"And now give me some brandy," he said.

There was brandy in the house,--in the sitting-room which was close
at their hand, and the key of the little press which held it was in
her pocket. It was useless, she thought, to refuse him; and so she
told him that there was a bottle partly full, but that she must go
to the next room to fetch it him.

"We'll go together, my darling," he said. "There's nothing like
good company." And he again put his hand upon her arm as they
passed into the family sitting-room.

"I must take the light," she said. But he unhooked it himself, and
carried it in his own hand.

Again she went to work without trembling. She found the key of the
side cupboard, and unlocking the door, handed him a bottle which
might contain about half-a-pint of spirits. "And is that all?" he
said.

"There is a full bottle here," she answered, handing him another;
"but if you drink it, you will be drunk, and they will catch you."

"By Heavens, yes; and you would be the first to help them; would you
not?"

"Look here," she answered. "If you will go now, I will not say a
word to any one of your coming, nor set them on your track to follow
you. There, take the full bottle with you. If you will go, you
shall be safe from me."