Never did any one look more amazed than Madam Corbet, when I burst into her pretty, orderly room, all dripping, torn, and draggled as I was, and told my tale with breathless haste. Not till it was ended, did I see that Walter was at my side. Then all my strength seemed gone in a minute, and I should have fallen, but for his arms. "I must go to my cousin instantly," said Madam, rising. "Walter, will you order my horse, and tell Will to get ready to ride? There is no time to lose!" "I will myself go with you as far as the great house, and then ride on in search of the doctor," said Walter. "As for Margaret, she must abide here and go to bed." "No, no!" I cried. "I must go back. Indeed I must! If Betty wakes and misses me, no one will be able to manage her, and I shall be wanted, beside. I must go back directly!" "I believe she is right!" said Madam, to my great joy. She would have me drink some hot wine, however, and indeed I was glad of it. I believe they made all the haste possible, but it seemed an age before we were ready to set out. As for Jacky, he was left with the servants to be dried, warmed and feasted to his heart's content. I rode behind Walter, and Madam her own horse, and we were not long in reaching the house. When we were safely dismounted, Walter said he would ride on with Will and find the doctor. "You will be drenched through!" said I. "Nay, I have my horseman's coat, and I am not made of sugar nor salt, more than yourself, my dear love!" said he: "But, dear mother, do see that Margaret changes her clothes." And with that he was gone. Many people would have thought it not a very sentimental greeting, after so long an absence: but I was well contented with it. I hurried to my room to dress myself, for indeed I was wet through, and I know it was but right that I should take due care of my own health. When I had done so, I looked in at my child. She was awake, and started up at my entrance. "Mamma!" said she, breathlessly. "She is likely to do well, I trust," I answered. "Your Cousin Corbet is come to stay with her. Try to go to sleep, my dear one." "But you will come and tell me?" she said, holding my hand. "I don't want you to stay, because mamma might need you, but you will come and tell me. And I have tried to be good, haven't I, Mary?" "Indeed you have, my dear, tender lamb—my sweet, precious young Lady!" said Mary, wiping her eyes: "I am sure an angel could not have behaved any better!" I kissed her and again assured her that I would bring her the first news, and bade her pray for her mother. And then I left her and hurried back to my Lady's antechamber, where I met Lady Jemima coming out. "Mrs. Corbet is with her," said she. "She will not endure me in her sight—and no wonder. I feel as if I had murdered her." "You have!" I answered her, bitterly enough. I was wrong, but at that moment I did really feel that if my Lady died, Lady Jemima would be answerable for her death.