How she must have rejoiced to find a use for it at last!" "It is an evil and a scurvy jest at such a time to mock at the peril which is at our very doors, and which naught but the mercy of God can avert from us," said the master of the house, very gravely.
Then, looking round upon his assembled household, he added in the same very serious way, "I have been this day into the heart of the city.

I have spoken with many of the authorities there.

The Lord Mayor and the Magistrates are in great anxiety, and I fear me there can be no longer any doubt that the distemper is spreading fearfully.

It has not yet appeared within the city nor upon the other side of the river; but in the western parishes it is spreading every way, and they say that all who are able are fleeing away from their houses.

Perchance for those who can do so this may be the safest thing to do.