ared he is dying."

Mr. Carlyle was painfully startled.

"His screams of pain were awful, sir. Mr. Wainwright and another doctor
from West Lynne are with him, and an express has gone to Lynneboro' for
physicians. Mrs. Mason said we were to fetch my young lady right home,
and not lose a moment; and we brought the carriage, sir, Wells galloping
his horses all the way."

"I will bring Lady Isabel," said Mr. Carlyle.

"I am sure, sir, I should be under everlasting obligations if you
would," returned the man.

He worked his way through the concert room--he was tall and
slender--many looking daggers at him, for a pathetic song was just
then being given by a London lady. He disregarded all, and stood before
Isabel.

"I thought you were not coming to speak to me to-night. Is it not a
famous room? I am so pleased!"

"More than famous, Lady Isabel," choosing his words, that they might not
alarm her, "Lord Mount Severn does not find himself so well, and he has
sent the carriage for you."

"Papa not so well!" she quickly exclaimed.

"Not quite. At any rate, he wishes you to go home. Will you allow me to
pilot you through the room?"

"Oh, my dear, considerate papa!" she laughed. "He fears I shall be
weary, and would emancipate me before the time. Thank you, Mr. Carlyle,
but I will wait till the conclusion."

"No, no, Lady Isabel, it is not that. Lord Mount Severn is indeed
worse."

Her countenance changed to seriousness; but she was not alarmed. "Very
well. When the song is over--not to disturb the room."

"I think you had better lose no time," he urged. "Never mind the song
and the room."

She rose instantly, and put her arm within Mr. Carlyle's. A hasty word
of explanation to Mrs. Ducie, and he led her away, the room, in its
surprise, making for them what space it might. Many an eye followed
them, but none more curiously and eagerly than Barbara Hare's. "Where is
he going to take her to?" involuntarily uttered Barbara.

"How should I know?" returned Miss Corny. "Barbara, you have done
nothing but fidget all the night; what's the matter with you? Folks come
to a concert to listen, not to talk and fidget."

Isabel's mantle was procured from the ante-room where it had been left,
and she descended the stairs with Mr. Carlyle. The carriage was drawn up
close to the entrance, and the coachman had his reins gathered, ready
to start. The footman--not the one who had gone upstairs--threw open the
carriage door as he s