Sir Nathaniel, who was sitting close to Mimi, rose to his feet, and, crying, "Quick!" caught hold of her hand and began to drag her from the room.

Adam caught her other hand, and between them they drew her through the outer door which the servants were beginning to close.

It was difficult at first to find the way, the darkness was so great; but to their relief when Adam whistled shrilly, the carriage and horses, which had been waiting in the angle of the avenue, dashed up.

Her husband and Sir Nathaniel lifted--almost threw--Mimi into the carriage.

The postillion plied whip and spur, and the vehicle, rocking with its speed, swept through the gate and tore up the road.