elves on Elizabeth, so
that she could neither see nor hear; but the widow discovering that she
was still alive, made a little moan, and began to shake out her flounces
when she saw the gentleman who had rescued them standing by the side of
the carriage.

"You are safe, ladies," he said, opening the door; "you had better get
out and walk on to the hotel--it is only a few steps."

"How can we ever thank you!" sobbed Mrs. Harrington. "You are our
preserver--we owe you our lives!"

He smiled a little at her exaggerated manner, which would break out in
spite of her real terror, and helped her to alight from the carriage.

"We are saved," moaned Elsie, lifting herself from Elizabeth's bosom.
"I'm not hurt--I'm not hurt!"

She was lifted out of the carriage, and stood trembling by Mrs.
Harrington. For the first time, relieved of their weight, Elizabeth was
able to move and look up.

The stranger was standing by the carriage with his arm extended to
assist her. She partially rose--then, and without the slightest warning,
beyond a deep, shuddering breath, sank back insensible.

Elsie and Mrs. Harrington gave a simultaneous cry, but there was no
opportunity for the widow to go into hysterics, as she had intended,
since the stranger and the footman were fully occupied in lifting
Elizabeth from the broken carriage. Elsie was crying wildly, "Bessie!
Bessie!" and wringing her hands in real affright.

"She has only fainted," said the stranger hurriedly; "we will carry her
on to the hotel."

He raised the insensible girl in his arms, and carried her down towards
the inn, as if she had been a child; while her companions followed,
sobbing off their terror as they went.

Once in the house, and the stranger out of the way, Mrs. Harrington
recovered her wits sufficiently to give Elizabeth assistance, and
restore her to consciousness.

Elizabeth opened her eyes, gave one glance around, and closed them
again.

"Are you hurt?" cried Elsie.

She shook her head.

"What made you faint so suddenly?" demanded Mrs. Harrington. "The danger
was over."

Elizabeth made a strong effort at self-control, sat upright, and tried
to answer.

"I can't tell--I--"

"Do you know that gentleman?" asked Mrs. Harrington.

"Why, how can she?" said Elsie.

"Well, she fainted just as she looked at him."

Elizabeth controlled herself, found strength to rise, saying in reply to
Mrs. Harrington's repeated inquiries--

"How should I know him?-