"Have you been to the magistrate?" she asked. "Tell us, at least, are
you here by his advice? Is he coming to help us?"
Launce hesitated. If he had told the truth, he must have acknowledged
that he was there in direct opposition to the magistrate's advice. He
answered evasively, "If the vicar doesn't come, the doctor will. I have
told him Sir Joseph must be moved. Cheer up, Natalie! The doctor will be
here as soon as Turlington."
As the name passed his lips--without a sound outside to prepare them
for what was coming--the voice of Turlington himself suddenly penetrated
into the room, speaking close behind the window, on the outer side.
"You have broken into my house in the night," said the voice. "And you
don't escape _this_ way."
Miss Lavinia sank on her knees. Natalie flew to her father. His eyes
were wide open in terror; he moaned, feebly recognizing the voice.
The next sound that was heard was the sound made by the removal of the
ladder from the balcony. Turlington, having descended by it, had taken
it away.
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