The Lord Mayor and his aldermen have been down since the morning, striving to do what they can; but, so far as report says, the flames are yet unchecked.

It seems impossible that they should ever reach even to us here; but I am somewhat full of fear.

What would befall my poor young wife if the fire were to threaten this house ?" Dinah looked grave and anxious.

Lady Desborough's condition was critical, and she could only be moved at considerable risk.

But it seemed impossible that the fire could travel all this distance.
Only the troubled look on the husband's face would have convinced her that such a thing could be contemplated for a moment even by the faintest-hearted.
"You would not have us move her now, ere the danger approaches ?" asked the husband anxiously.
"No, my lord.