afraid they'd be took -- she and them both; so
they all run -- the first one the best feller. I stayed, 'cause
I thought the yaller fever wouldn't do much with one o' my
skin; and anyhow it was as good to die in the house as in the
street -- I'd rather."

"When did they go?" said Winthrop beginning to put up books
and papers.

"Cleared out this mornin' -- as soon as they knowed what was
the matter with Mr. Haye."

"His wife too?" said Winthrop.

"Not she! _she_ went off for fear she'd be scared -- years ago."

"Has Miss Haye sent for no friends?"

"She says there ain't none to send to; and I guess there
ain't."

"Run home to your mistress, Clam, as fast as you can. -- When
was Mr. Haye taken sick?"

"Some time yesterday. Then you're comin', Mr. Winthrop?"

"Yes. Run."

Clam ran home. But quick as her speed had been, when she got
the handle of the door in her hand she saw a figure that she
knew, coming down the street; and waited for him to come up.
Winthrop and she passed into the house together.

The gentleman turned into one of the deserted parlours; and
Clam with a quick and soft step ran up stairs and into the
sick room. Mr. Haye lay there unconscious. Elizabeth was
sitting by the side of the bed, with a face of stern and
concentrated anxiety.

"Here's the stuff," said Clam, setting some medicine on the
table; -- "and there's a gentleman down stairs that wants to
see you, Miss 'Lizabeth -- on business."

"Business!" said Elizabeth, -- "Did you tell him what was in
the house?"

"I told him," said Clam, "and he don't care. He wants to see
you."

Elizabeth had no words to waste, nor heart to speak them. She
got up and went down stairs and in at the open parlour door,
like a person who walks in a dream through a dreadful
labyrinth of pain, made up of what used to be familiar objects
of pleasure. So she went in. But so soon as her eye caught the
figure standing before the fireplace, though she did not know
what he had come there for, only that he was there, her heart
sprang as to a pillar of hope. She stopped short and her two
hands were brought together with an indescribable expression,
telling of relief.

"Oh Mr. Landholm! what brought you here!"

He came forward to where she stood and took one of her hands;
and felt that she was trembling like a shaking leaf.

"How is your father?" was his question.

"I don't know!" said Elizabeth bending down her head while
tears began to run fast, -- "