an ass of myself."

He went for his hat, but as he stooped to pick it up he staggered, and
Nell ran to him and caught his arm.

"You are hurt!" she said. "I--I was afraid so!"

"I'm giddy, that's all, I think," he said; but his lips closed tightly
after his speech, and they twitched at the corners. "I expect my horse
is more damaged than I am," he added, and he walked, very slowly, to
where the animal stood looking from side to side with a startled air.

"Yes; knees cut. Poor old chap! It was my fault--my fau----"

He stopped, and put his hand to his head as if he were confused.

Nell went and stood close by him, with a vague kind of idea that he was
going to fall and that she might help him, support him.

"You are in pain?" she asked, her brow wrinkled with her anxiety, her
eyes darkened with her womanly sympathy and pity.

"Yes," he admitted frankly. "I've knocked my head, and"--he touched his
arm--"and, yes, I'm afraid I've broken my arm."

"Oh!"--cried Nell, startled and aghast--"oh! you must come into the
house at once--at once."

He glanced at the cottage.

"Your house?"

"Yes," said Nell. "Oh, come, please. You may faint again----"

"Oh, no, I shan't."

"But you may--you may! Take my arm; lean on me----"

He took her arm, but did not lean on her, and he smiled down at her.

"I don't look it, but I weigh nearly twelve stone, and I should bear you
down," he said.

"I'm stronger than I look," said Nell. "Please come!"

"I'll put the bridle over the gate first," he said.

"No, no; I will do it. Lean against the gate while I go."

He rested one hand on the gate. She got the horse--he came as quietly as
his master had done--and hitched the bridle on the post; then she drew
the man's arm within hers, and led him into the house and into the
drawing-room.

"Sit down," she said; "lean back. I won't be a moment. Oh, where is
Molly? But perhaps I'd better not leave you."

"I'm all right. I assure you that I've no intention of fainting again,"
he said; and there was something like a touch of irritation in his tone.

Nell rang the bell and stood looking down at him anxiously. There was
not a sign of self-consciousness or embarrassment in her face or manner.
She was still thinking only of him.

"I'm ashamed of myself for giving you so much trouble," he said.

"It is no trouble. Why should you be ashamed? Oh, Molly! don't cry out
or scream--it is all right! Be quiet now, Molly! This gentleman has be