The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel Chapter 1630

Louisa's gaze drifted beyond the windowpane.

In the winter's bitter embrace, the girl, whether from the cold or the pain, couldn't stop her slight frame from shivering. Struggling, she bent to retrieve the broken branch lying before her.

"Ms. Serena." Betty sobbed, shaking her head, "Stop torturing yourself."

Serena reached out but couldn't grasp the branch before her; whether from her lingering illness or the harsh beating she had just endured, she once again collapsed weakly into the snow.

"Ms. Serena?!" Betty cried out, rushing to her aid. Serena's body was limp, as if all strength had fled from her. It took Betty several attempts to finally prop her up, "Mr. and Mrs. Collins, Ms. Serena can’t make it! Please, come out and check up on her!"

Kenneth and Louisa were overwhelmed with mixed emotions.

That was when Edith briskly entered the living room, "Mrs. Collins, something happened."

She handed Louisa an envelope.

Outside, Serena knelt, her teeth chattering in the cold.

"Ms. Serena, are you freezing? I'll fetch you a coat."

Betty started to rise, but Serena's icy hand pressed her down, her voice trembling, "No need."

She had dressed lightly on purpose, hoping to soften her parents' hearts. The more she suffered in the cold, the more disheveled she appeared, the greater the chance to move her parents.