nce than facing it
firmly."

Walter sighed.

"You are right," he said, "but it wrings my heart to see you place
yourself in danger."

"Were we out of danger here, Walter, it might be so," Edith replied
gently; "but since there is no more safety in the castle than in the
cottage, we must face death whether it pleases us or not, and it were
best to do so bravely."

"So be it," Walter said; "may the God of heaven watch over us all!
Now, mother, do you and Edith busy yourselves in preparing broths,
strengthening drinks, and medicaments. I will go down at once to the
village and see how matters stand there and who are in need. We have
already urged upon all our people to face the danger bravely, and if
die they must, to die bravely like Christians, and not like coward dogs.
When you have prepared your soups and cordials come down and meet me
in the village, bringing Mabel and Janet, your attendants, to carry the
baskets."

Ralph, who was now installed as major-domo in the castle, at once set
out with Walter. They found the village in a state of panic. Women were
sitting crying despairingly at their doors. Some were engaged in packing
their belongings in carts preparatory to flight, some wandered aimlessly
about wringing their hands, while others went to the church, whose bells
were mournfully tolling the dirge of the departed. Walter's presence
soon restored something like order and confidence; his resolute tone
cheered the timid and gave hope to the despairing. Sternly he rebuked
those preparing to fly, and ordered them instantly to replace their
goods in their houses. Then he went to the priest and implored him to
cause the tolling of the bell to cease.

"There is enough," he said, "in the real danger present to appall even
the bravest, and we need no bell to tell us that death is among us. The
dismal tolling is enough to unnerve the stoutest heart, and if we ring
for all who die its sounds will never cease while the plague is among
us; therefore, father, I implore you to discontinue it. Let there be
services held daily in the church, but I beseech you strive in your
discourses to cheer the people rather than to depress them, and to dwell
more upon the joys that await those who die as Christian men and women
than upon the sorrows of those who remain behind. My wife and mother
will anon be down in the village and will strive to cheer and comfort
the people, and I look to you for aid in this matter."

The priest, w