"Oh, I am not afraid," replied Arabella, advancing and taking his hand, which felt dry and burning. "What is the matter, dear Sir Harry?" she continued; "we have come to comfort and console you." "Nay, nay," cried the knight, drawing his hand quickly away, and retreating a step: "I cannot have you stay here, dear lady. Through a long life I have never felt as I feel now; and I fear that this may be even worse than it seems. You must go on with all speed; and stop not at the village; the landlord of the inn is lying sick--of the plague, they tell me. I saw him the day before yesterday, and he was then past hope." "He is dead, sir," said Lakyn, who had lingered at the door; "I wish to Heaven you would take some antidote!" "I will, I will," replied Sir Harry West; "but you must hurry away, lady. I will not have you stay a minute longer. They say the disease is not so infectious till the spots appear. Of that, I am still free, thank God, for your sake; but you must away at once. I beseech you, not another word." Arabella turned towards the door; but ere she reached it, Ida Mara caught her hand and kissed it, saying, "I must stay with him, lady!--He was the first that ever befriended me on earth.--I cannot, I cannot leave him!" "Good girl!" cried Arabella. "She must not stay--she shall not!" exclaimed Sir Harry West. "I beseech you, madam, take her with you." But Ida Mara darted back, and kneeling before him, cast her arms round him, exclaiming, "Here I will stay! Now send me with her if you will, to carry the infection with me." "Ah! my poor girl," exclaimed the old man, putting his hand upon her head, while the tears rose in his eyes, "you know not what you do." "I do--I do!" cried Ida Mara, kissing his hand; "for whom could I give my life so well as you?--But God will protect me, never fear; and I will save you, too." "Well, lady," said Sir Harry West, sinking into his chair again, "I suppose, if you will consent, she _must_ stay now; but I do beseech you go yourself as quickly as may be--God send it be not too late already. Go, pray go----" "I will," said Arabella; "and may Heaven protect and restore you, Sir Harry. I will go, though I do feel that this poor girl's devotion is almost a reproach to me. However, fare you well; I fear I ought not to risk my life, although Heaven knows I wish it were at an end." Thus saying, she retired and re-entered the carriage, which was soon turned, and on its way to the house of the Lady Emily Cavendish. After driving on for an hour or two, night fell, and Arabella, alone in the vehicle, gave herself up to melancholy thoughts.