"It generally is when a lady tries to elope and is stopped. Curse me, though, what a coward that Burnett was to set some one to strike her." "Did he?" said Mellersh, in a curious tone. "Yes; didn't you see? Is she fainting?" "Yes," said Mellersh. "Here, Linnell, help Miss Denville into the chaise, and she can support her sister." "No; I forbid it," cried Lord Carboro' sharply. "I--" "Hush, my lord!" whispered Mellersh. "Do you not see? The wretched woman is stabbed." "Stabbed!" "Claire! Claire! Help! Claire!" wailed May faintly. At her sister's wild cry a spasm seemed to shoot through Claire's frame, and she wrested herself from Linnell, and threw herself beside the wretched little woman where she lay. "May--sister," she whispered. "Take me--take me home," said May, in a feeble, piteous voice. "Did you see him? I was frightened. I was going and he--he stabbed me." "Help! A doctor! For heaven's sake, help!" cried Claire. "May, May, speak to me--dear sister." She raised the frail little figure in her arms as she spoke, till the pretty baby head rested upon her bosom, and Linnell shuddered as, in the dim light, he saw the stains that marked her dress and Claire's hands. "Miss Denville," he whispered, "let Colonel Mellersh place her in the chaise. She must be got home at once." "Yes," said Mellersh solemnly. "I can do no more." As he spoke he gave a final knot to the handkerchief with which he had bound the slight little arm. "Who did this?" cried Lord Carboro' quickly. "Mr Burnett, do you know?" Burnett did not speak, and the answer came from May, in a feeble, dreamy voice. "It was poor Louis," she said. "I saw him this evening--watching me--he must have followed. Ah!" "Quick! Get in first, Miss Denville," cried Mellersh. "Draw her away, Dick, for God's sake! The poor little thing will bleed to death. Good heavens!" The last words were uttered in a low tone, as from out of the darkness a tall gaunt figure staggered up and sank down beside the injured girl. "Too late! Too late! May! my child! Blood! She is dead--my darling. She is dead!" "Hush, sir! She has fainted," cried Linnell. "Mr Denville! For heaven's sake, sir, be firm. Command yourself. A terrible mishap. Mrs Burnett must be got back to the town at once. Can you act calmly?" "Certainly. I'll try," groaned the Master of the Ceremonies; and then, "Too late--too late!" He rose, holding one little hand in his as Claire tottered into the carriage, and May was lifted to her side. "Now, Mr Denville. In--quick!" cried Linnell. "Straight home. The postboys shall warn a doctor as they pass." The door was banged to, the orders given, and the next minute the horses were going at a canter, on no flight to London, but back to the Parade. Richard Linnell stood gazing after the departing post-chaise for a few moments, to start as a hand was placed upon his shoulder. "Is she hurt badly, Mellersh?" he whispered.