Sarah Swarton accordingly resolved to set out upon her errand; but before doing so, she sought an interview with Lady Lake, for the purpose of revealing certain fearful suspicions she had begun to entertain of Luke Hatton.  She would have done this before, but there was almost insuperable difficulty in obtaining a few words in private of her ladyship.  The apothecary was continually passing from room to room, hovering nigh the couches of his patients, as if afraid of leaving them for a moment, and he seemed to regard Sarah herself with distrust.  But he had now gone forth, and she resolved to take advantage of his absence to make her communication.

CHAPTER II.

Counter-Poison.

The physical tortures endured by Lady Lake were exceeded by her mental anguish.  While the poison raged within her veins, the desire of vengeance inflamed her breast; and her fear was lest she should expire without gratifying it.  Bitterly did she now upbraid herself for having delayed her vindictive project.  More than once she consulted Luke Hatton as he stood beside her couch, with the habitual sneer upon his lips, watching the progress of his own infernal work, as to the possibility of renovating her strength, if only for an hour, in order that she might strike the blow.  But he shook his head, and bade her wait.  Wait, however, she would not, and she became at length so impatient, that he agreed to make the experiment, telling her he would prepare a draught which should stimulate her into new life for a short time, but he would not answer for the after consequences.  This was enough.  She eagerly grasped at the offer.  Revenge must be had, cost what it would.  And it was to prepare the potion which was to effect her brief cure that Luke Hatton had quitted her chamber, and left the coast clear for Sarah Swarton.

Startled by the abrupt entrance and looks of the handmaiden, Lady Lake anxiously inquired if all was well with her daughter.

“As well as it, seems ever likely to be with her, my lady,” replied Sarah Swarton.  “She is somewhat easier now.  But has your ladyship courage to listen to what I have to tell you?”

“Have I ever shown want of courage, Sarah, that you should put such a question?” rejoined Lady Lake, sharply.

“But this is something frightful, my lady.”

“Then do not hesitate to disclose it.”

“Has your ladyship never thought it a strange illness by which you and my Lady Roos have been seized?” said Sarah, coming close up to her, and speaking in a low, hurried tone, as if afraid of being overheard, or interrupted.

“Why should I think it strange, Sarah?” returned Lady Lake, regarding her fixedly.  “It is a dreadful and infectious fever which I have taken from my daughter; and that is the reason why Sir Thomas, and all others, except Luke Hatton and yourself, are forbidden to come near us.  What we should have done without you, Sarah, I know not, for Luke Hatton tells me the rest of the household shun us as they would a pestilence.  I trust you will escape the disorder, and if I am spared your devotion shall be adequately requited.  As to Luke Hatton, he seems to have no fear of it.”