offrey Langford, who at the same
moment stepped up to the window. Henrietta's heart throbbed fearfully as
she saw how wearied was the boy's running, and yet how rapid. She could
hardly stand as she followed her uncles to the hall; her mother at the
same moment came downstairs, and all together met the little boy, as,
breathless, exhausted, unable to speak, he rushed into the hall, and
threw himself upon his father, leaning his head against him and clinging
as if he could not stand.

"Why Will, how now, my boy? Have you been racing?" said his father,
kneeling on one knee, and supporting the poor little wearied fellow, as
he almost lay upon his breast and shoulder. "What is the matter now?"

There was a deep silence only interrupted by the deep pantings of
the boy. Henrietta leant on the banisters, giddy with suspense. Uncle
Geoffrey stepped into the dining-room, and brought back a glass of
wine and some water. Aunt Mary parted the damp hair that hung over his
forehead, laid her cold hand on it, and said, "Poor little fellow."

At her voice Willy looked up, clung faster to his father, and whispered
something unintelligible.

"What? Has anything happened? What is the matter?" were questions
anxiously asked, while Uncle Geoffrey in silence succeeded in
administering the wine; after which Willy managed to say, pointing to
his aunt,

"Don't--tell--her."

It was with a sort of ghastly composure that she leant over him, saying,
"Don't be afraid, my dear, I am ready to hear it."

He raised himself, and gazed at her in perplexity and wonder.
Henrietta's violently throbbing heart took from her almost the
perception of what was happening.

"Take breath, Willy," said his father; "don't keep us all anxious."

"Bee said I was to tell Uncle Geoffrey," said the boy.

"Is she safe?" asked Aunt Mary, earnestly.

"Yes."

"Thanks to God," said she, holding out her hand to Uncle Geoffrey,
with a look of relief and congratulation, and yet of inexpressible
mournfulness which went to his heart.

"And Fred?" said Uncle Roger.

"Do not ask, Roger," said she, still as calmly as before; "I always knew
how it would be."

Henrietta tried to exclaim, to inquire, but her lips would not frame one
word, her tongue would not leave the roof of her mouth. She heard a few
confused sounds, and then a mist came over her eyes, a rushing of waters
in her ears, and she sank on the ground in a fainting fit. When she came
to herself she was lyin