Stretchingstretchforth the official staff in his left hand , he laidlayhis right upon the shoulder of a young woman , whom he thus drewdrawforward , until , on the threshold of the prison-door , she repelledrepelhim , by an actionactionmarked with natural dignity and force of character , and steppedstepinto the open air as if by her own free will .
As Oliver gave this first proofproofof the free and proper actionactionof his lungs , the patchwork coverlet which was carelessly flung over the iron bedstead , rustledrustle; the pale face of a young woman was raisedraisefeebly from the pillow ; and a faint voice imperfectly articulated the wordsword, ' Let me see the child , and die . '