Then, after the car had left her, she determined to pursue her way farther. She was fond of walking and loved exploring the country. She soon got out of the lane, crossed a steep bit of wild moorland, and then climbed up a green hill. Suddenly down the steep path came a girl in rough tweed coat and skirt. She was considerably older than Adrienne, and had the unmistakable air of an Englishwoman. But on her face, which was a strikingly handsome one, was an expression of agitation and alarm. Directly she saw Adrienne she spoke. Her French was fluent. "Oh, do you know where a doctor lives? I must have one at once. Is there one in the next village? I don't know my way about at all." "There is one five miles the other side of our village," said Adrienne promptly; "but we're about two miles from this." If the girl had been French, she would have wrung her hands. As it was she looked at Adrienne in blank dismay. "What can I do? I have left my brother alone. He has cut his arm seriously, and I cannot stop the bleeding." Adrienne was noted for her presence of mind. It did not fail her now. She spoke in English, and the girl's face brightened when she heard the familiar tongue. "You must go back to him, and tie a bandage tight above the wound. Hold it with your fingers if you cannot make a tourniquet. I'll get back as quick as I can, and get my horse. I can ride the five or six miles in no time. May I have your name and address?" "It is Preston! We live in a cottage away from everyone. It's called 'L'Eglantine,' at the top of Le Sourge, tell him. Thank you. I will do as you say." She turned, and Adrienne saw her running lightly and swiftly up the narrow path that wound in zig-zag fashion up the hill. Adrienne began to run too. She was breathless and exhausted by the time she reached the Château. But as she was nearing the stables a message was brought to her by Pierre: "Madame would see you at once, Mademoiselle." Adrienne directed Gaston to saddle Sultan, then she ran up to her aunt's room, and told her where she was going. "But what nonsense," said the Countess; "I have been waiting for you to look at my old black lace dress with a view to altering it. You can't be at the beck and call of every stranger. Let them manage for themselves." "I couldn't refuse to get help; but if you will let Gaston ride instead of me, I will not go." "Gaston certainly will not go, nor any of my servants." Her aunt spoke angrily, and for once Adrienne lost her temper. "It's a question of life or death," she said; "I can't think how you can be so inhuman, Aunt Cecily!" Then she left the bedroom, and flew downstairs again. In three minutes' time, she was galloping down the avenue and on the road towards the doctor's house. She was fortunate to find him at home. He promptly got out his car and was on his way with little loss of time.