Then, whilst all we men stood fixed in wonderment, Moll, with the quick, helpful impulse of her womanhood, ran swiftly from her place to his side, and dropping on her knees cried for water to be brought her.

“Dead of hunger,” says Don Sanchez, in my ear.  “Fetch a flask of brandy.”

And then, laying hold of Simon by the shoulder, he pointed significantly to the open door.  This hint Simon was not slow to take, and when I returned from the buttery with a case of strong waters, I found no one in the room but Don Sanchez, and Moll with the fainting man’s head upon her lap, bathing his temples gently.  Life had not come back, and the young man’s face looked very handsome in death, the curls pushed back from his brow, and his long features still and colourless like a carved marble.

Then with a “lack-a-day” and “alas,” in bustles Mrs. Butterby with a bottle of cordial in one hand and a bunch of burning feathers in the other.

“Fling that rubbish in the chimney,” says the Don.  “I know this malady—­well enough,” and pouring some hollands in a cup he put it to the dead man’s parted lips.

In a few moments he breathed again, and hearing Moll’s cry of joy, he opened his eyes as one waking from a dream and turned his head to learn what had happened.  Then finding his head in Moll’s lap and her small, soft, cool hand upon his brow, a smile played over his wasted face.  And well, indeed, might he smile to see that young figure of justice turned to the living image of tender mercy.

Perceiving him out of danger, and recovering her own wits at the same time, Mrs. Butterby cries:  “Lord!  Madam, do let me call a maid to take your place; for, dear heart! you have quite spoiled your new gown with this mess of water, and all for such a paltry fellow as this!”

Truly, it must have seemed to her understanding an outrageous thing that a lady of her mistress’ degree should be nursing such a ragged rascal; but to me, knowing Moll’s helpful, impulsive disposition, ’twas no such extraordinary matter, for she at such a moment could not entertain those feelings which might have restrained a lady of more refined breeding.

The pretty speech of Mrs. Butterby, reaching the fallen man’s ear, seemed instantly to quicken his spirits, and, casting off his lethargic humour, he quickly staggered to his feet, while we raised Moll.  Then, resting one hand upon the table for support, he craved her pardon for giving so much trouble, but in a very faint, weak voice.

“I would have done as much for a dog,” says Moll.  “My friends will render you what further services are fit; and, if it appears that you have been unjustly used (as I do think you have), be sure you shall have reparation.”

“I ask no more,” says he, “than to be treated as I may merit in your esteem.”

“Justice shall be done,” says Don Sanchez, in his stern voice, and with that he conducts Moll to the door.