That day on which Gallagher departed from Tipparoo and closeted himself with old Jesse Crowle at Minara, and for a purpose that will be explained hereafter, was an auspicious one for Edith and her ill-fated mother. Hannah Grubbins, more daring than formerly, had descended into the subterranean hall and entered the presence of Edith. A month in gloom and solitude had not made much difference in her, albeit she was somewhat pale and languid. She looked up wonderingly as the strange figure of Hannah Grubbins glided into the room.
"Ah! your majesty, I knew you were here. Behold, I do fealty unto you, gracious queen," said Hannah, solemnly going down on her knees, and making a mark of reverence. Edith stared at her, unable to understand what the old croney meant. "A month thou hast been imprisoned in the tower, gracious queen; an' thou knowest not how my heart hast bled for thee, an' how I have planned an' schemed for thy escape; but no chance cometh till to-day. Now I come to save your majesty from the oppressor. Come, I'll restore thee to the throne of Holland, an' give thee back the crown the usurper hath snatched from thy head."
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