These, as soon as they saw the young couple, came forward with words of condolence, imagining them to have been burnt out of bed, and vied with each other in offering them a lodging.

Somerset explained where they were staying and that they required no accommodation, Paula interrupting with 'O my poor horses, what has become of them ?' 'The fire is not near the stables,' said Mr.Woodwell.

'It broke out in the body of the building.

The horses, however, are driven into the field.' 'I can assure you, you need not be alarmed, madam,' said Havill.

'The chief constable is here, and the two town engines, and I am doing all I can.