Quick!" Denham put Gerald aside almost roughly, and stooping down lifted Phebe tenderly in his arms.

She moaned as he touched her, but smiled up at him as she had done at Gerald.
"Do I hurt you, dear ?" he asked, with infinite pity and tenderness in his voice.

"I will be as gentle as I can.

Poor child! poor child!" "Let me help you," said Gerald.

"The stairs are steep and I am very strong." She came nearer, but he shook his head.