Mary was on a low chair by the infant's cot, Blanche in her lap, Tom and Harry leaning against her, and Aubrey almost asleep.

Mary held up her finger as Ethel entered, and whispered, "Hush! don't wake baby for anything!" The first true pang of grief shot through Ethel like a dart, stabbing and taking away her breath, "Where are they ?" she said; "how is papa?
who is with him ?" "Mr.Ward and Alan Ernescliffe," said Harry.

"Nurse came up just now, and said they were setting his arm." "Where is he ?" "On the bed in his dressing-room," said Harry.
"Has he come to himself--is he better ?" They did not seem to know, and Ethel asked where to find Flora.

"With Margaret," she was told, and she was thinking whether she could venture to seek her, when she herself came fast up the stairs.

Ethel and Harry both darted out.