The Star-Chamber, Volume 2 | Page 2

to restore her to health; and she cared not though the fever might be
infectious. The gentleness and resignation of the ill-fated lady, which
failed to move Luke Hatton, melted her to tears; and it was with infinite
grief that she saw her, day by day, sinking slowly but surely into the
grave. To Lady Roos, the presence of Sarah Swarton was an
inexpressible comfort. The handmaiden was far superior to her station,
with a pleasing countenance, and prepossessing manner, and possessed
of the soft voice so soothing to the ear of pain. But the chief comfort
derived by Lady Roos from the society of Sarah Swarton, was the
power of unbosoming herself to her respecting her husband, and of
pouring her sorrows into a sympathising ear. Lord Roos had never been
near his wife since her seizure--nor, that she could learn, had made any
inquiries about her; but notwithstanding his heartless conduct, her great
desire was to behold him once more before she died, and to breathe
some last words into his ear; and she urged the wish so strongly upon
her confidante, that the latter promised, if possible, to procure its
accomplishment.
A week had now nearly elapsed--the fatal term appointed by Luke
Hatton--and it could be no longer doubted that, if the last gratification
sought by Lady Roos were to be afforded her, it must not be delayed.
The poor sufferer was wasted to a skeleton; her cheeks hollow; eyes
sunk in deep cavities, though the orbs were unnaturally bright; and her
frame so debilitated, that she could scarcely raise herself from the
pillow.
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