[A Terrible Temptation by Charles Reade]@TWC D-Link bookA Terrible Temptation CHAPTER XVI 7/24
Lady Bassett, weeping, proffered her assistance, and so did Mary Wells; but this athlete said, a little bruskly, "No, no; I have practiced this sort of thing;" and, partly by his rare strength, partly by his familiarity with all athletic feats, carried the insensible baronet to his own house, as I have seen my accomplished friend Mr.Henry Neville carry a tall actress on the mimic stage; only, the distance being much longer, the perspiration rolled down Mr.Angelo's face with so sustained an effort. He laid him gently on the floor of his study, while Lady Bassett sent two grooms galloping for medical advice, and half a dozen servants running for this and that stimulant, as one thing after another occurred to her agitated mind.
The very rustling of dresses and scurry of feet overhead told all the house a great calamity had stricken it. Lady Bassett hung over the sufferer, sighing piteously, and was for supporting his beloved head with her tender arm; but Mr.Angelo told her it was better to keep the head low, that the blood might flow back to the vessels of the brain. She cast a look of melting gratitude on her adviser, and composed herself to apply stimulants under his direction and advice. Thus judiciously treated, Sir Charles began to recover consciousness in part.
He stared and muttered incoherently.
Lady Bassett thanked God on her knees, and then turned to Mr.Angelo with streaming eyes, and stretched out both hands to him, with an indescribable eloquence of gratitude.
He gave her his hands timidly, and she pressed them both with all her soul.
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