As she took his outstretched hands, she attempted a smile.

"It is kind in you to come to me at such a time," she said.
"You mistake," said he, "as is but natural.

I had not heard what had befallen.

I came to ask your hand in marriage of his lordship." Some faint color tinged her cheeks.

"You had decided, then ?" "I had decided that his lordship must decide," he answered.
"And now ?" "And now it seems we must decide for ourselves if his lordship dies." Her mind swung to the graver matter.