Mr.Stanton, acting on the spur of the moment, rushed to the telephone to try if any ironmonger's shop in the town was still open, and could immediately send up a wire-gauze fire-protector.

The fireplaces in all the other rooms were well guarded, but in the drawing-room the hearth was so wide, and the curb so high, that the precaution had not been considered necessary.
"It only shows how absolutely vital it is to leave no chance of an accident," said Mr.Stanton, returning from the telephone.

"Matthews are sending a boy up at once with a guard.

If it hadn't been for Rona's promptitude---- Oh, there's the bell! Oswald, fetch your mother a glass of water." Poor Mrs.Stanton looked very pale, but had recovered her composure sufficiently to receive her young guests by the time they were ushered into the drawing-room.

Dorothy, child-like, forgot her fright in the pleasure of welcoming her friends the Prestons, and everything went on as if the accident had not occurred.