ho was naturally a timid man, nevertheless nerved himself
to carry out Walter's suggestions, and soon the dismal tones of the bell
ceased to be heard in the village.

Walter despatched messengers to all the outlying farms desiring his
tenants to meet him that afternoon at the castle in order that measures
might be concerted for common aid and assistance. An hour later Dame
Vernon and Edith came down and visited all the houses where the plague
had made its appearance, distributing their soups, and by cheering and
comforting words raising the spirits of the relatives of the sufferers.

The names of all the women ready to aid in the general work of nursing
were taken down, and in the afternoon at the meeting at the castle the
full arrangements were completed. Work was to be carried on as usual
in order to occupy men's minds and prevent them from brooding over the
ravages of the plague. Information of any case that occurred was to
be sent to the castle, where soups and medicines were to be obtained.
Whenever more assistance was required than could be furnished by the
inmates of a house another woman was to be sent to aid. Boys were told
off as messengers to fetch food and other matters as required from the
castle.

So, bravely and firmly, they prepared to meet the pestilence; it spread
with terrible severity. Scarce a house which did not lose some of its
inmates, while in others whole families were swept away. All day Walter
and his wife and Dame Vernon went from house to house, and although they
could do nothing to stem the progress of the pestilence, their presence
and example supported the survivors and prevented the occurrence of any
of the panic and disorder which in most places accompanied it.

The castle was not exempt from the scourge. First some of the domestics
were seized, and three men and four women died. Walter himself was
attacked, but he took it lightly, and three days after the seizure
passed into a state of convalescence. Dame Vernon was next attacked, and
expired six hours after the commencement of the seizure. Scarcely was
Walter upon his feet than Ralph, who had not for a moment left his
bedside, was seized, but he too, after being at death's door for some
hours, turned the corner. Lastly Edith sickened.

By this time the scourge had done its worst in the village, and
three-fifths of the population had been swept away. All the male
retainers in the castle had died, and the one female who survived wa