She is the
ostensible guardian of Charlotte's room; you must contrive to be the real
guardian. You must keep custody over the custodian. How is your room
situated in relation to Charlotte's room?"
"The doors of the two rooms are exactly opposite."
"Providence favours us there. Can you keep watch over Charlotte's door
from your room without making your guardianship too apparent?"
"I can."
"Day and night?"
"Day and night."
"God bless you, dear! Her life may be saved by your fidelity."
"I would do as much to render her a smaller service."
"My dear girl! And now go back to the house. Here is the medicine. You
will give that into Mrs. Woolper's hands; she has received her
instructions from Dr. Jedd, and those instructions leave no room for
doubt. If she permits Sheldon to tamper with the medicine or the food of
her patient, she will be the wilful accomplice of a murderer. I think she
may be trusted."
"I will watch her."
"The charge of procuring the medicine is mine. I shall come to this house
many times in the course of every day; but I am bound to prepare myself
for the hour in which Mr. Sheldon may forbid me his house. In that event
I shall come to this gate. I suppose the servants would stand by me if
you pleaded for me?"
"I am sure they would."
"And now, dear, go; the medicine is wanted. I shall come back in a few
hours to inquire if there is any change for the better.
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