Mr.Randolph was out riding with her, one fine October morning, when his horse became unruly in consequence of a stone hitting him; a chance stone thrown from a careless hand.

The animal was restive, took the stone very much in dudgeon, ran, and carrying his rider under a tree, Mr.Randolph's forehead was struck by a low-lying limb and he was thrown off.

The blow was severe; he was stunned; and had not yet recovered his senses when they brought him back to Melbourne.
Mrs.Randolph was in a state almost as much beyond self-management.
Daisy was out of the house.

Mrs.Gary had left Melbourne; and till the doctor arrived Mrs.Randolph was nearly distracted.
He came; and though his fine face took no gloom upon it and his blue eye was as usual impenetrable, the eyes that anxiously watched him were not satisfied.

Dr.Sandford said nothing; and Mrs.Randolph had self-control sufficient not to question him, while he made his examinations and applied his remedies.