Mill to — to try to persuade them — Giles Teasley — to allow him to go free.” She paused and put her hand to her throat, as her way was. “I think, Doctor Thryng, I’d better build up the fire and get you some hot milk. Doctor Bartlett said you must have it often — and — to keep you very quiet.”

“Not until you tell me now — this moment — what I ask you. You went to the mill to try to help Frale out of his trouble. Cassandra, have you loved that boy?”

Her face assumed its old look of masklike impassivity. “I reckoned he might hold himself steady and do right — would they only leave him be — and give him the chance — ”

“Cassandra, answer me. Was it for love of him that you gave him your promise?”