e you?"

"I'm Amos Gregson. I come fro' Mrs. Dodson. She says as 'ow Emily's
worse, and you must come at once."

"Very well; I'll be on in a few minutes."

The doctor might not have retired at all, for he was out in the street
fully dressed a very few seconds after the man had left. With long,
rapid strides he made his way to Paul's house, which stood in the near
distance, and from one of the windows of which a light was burning. He
knocked at the door, which was opened by Judge Bolitho.

"I told you to wait," he said. "I knew the crisis would come to-night."

"Has she sent for you?" asked the judge hoarsely.

"Yes, the man left my door not ten minutes ago. You have Crashawe with
you?"

"Yes; he's been with me all the evening, and he's now lying on the sofa
asleep."

"Come, then."

A few seconds later three men left the house and made their way rapidly
towards Brunclough Lane. Presently they stopped at the door of number
twenty-seven and knocked. It was immediately opened by a neighbour,
who looked suspiciously at Dr. White's two companions.

"Mrs. Dodson is up in th' room," she said.

"And Emily?" said the doctor.

"She says she mun see you."

"Remain here," said Dr. White to the others, and went straight
upstairs. Evidently he had been there many times, and knew his way
perfectly.

He entered a room which was lit by a cheap, common lamp, and which
threw a sickly light upon the bed. A girl lay there who must have been
extremely beautiful when in health; even although the hand of death was
upon her now, she gave evidence of that beauty. Her eyes were
coal-black, her face was a perfect oval, and every feature was striking
and handsome. Her hair was raven-black and lay in great waving tresses
upon the pillow.

When the doctor entered, she looked towards him eagerly.

"Mother," she said, "go out!" for her mother sat by the bedside.

"Why mun I go, Emily?"

"I want to tell th' doctor something," she said.

"And why may I not hear it? I suppose I can guess, can't I?"

The woman spoke angrily even then.

"Don't thee be white-livered, Emily, or say owt for which you'll be
sorry afterwards."

The doctor noted the look on the girl's face. Even then there was
something strong and defiant about her. She had a Juno-like appearance
which would have attracted notice anywhere, and her firm, square chin
denoted a nature which could withstand almost any opposition.

"Go, mother," she said; a