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Mrs Melbury really thought matters much worse than she represented,

and Grace knew that she thought so She sat down dazed for a few

ative to her step- for her "But please go into the bedroohts, "and see if all is ready there--in case it is

serious" Mrs Melbury thereupon called Gra the roo they could think of for

the accommodation of an injured man

Nobody was left in the lower part of the house Not many le knock, not loud

enough to reach the ears of those in the bedroom She went to the top

of the stairs and said, faintly, "Co that the door

stood, as usual in such houses, wide open

Retreating into the gloo she saw rise up the

stairs a wonize, till her voice

revealed her to be Suke Daht from the partially closed door of Grace's room fell upon her

face as she came forward, and it was drawn and pale

"Oh, Miss Melbury--I would say Mrs Fitzpiers," she said, wringing her

hands "This terrible news Is he dead? Is he hurted very bad? Tell

ive me, Miss Melbury--Mrs

Fitzpiers I would say!"

Grace sank down on the oak chest which stood on the landing, and put