His lordship
started at the first sound of it, turned pale and gasped, then cried
out, laid his hand on his heart, and rolled off his chair. I did
what I could for him, but it wasn't like one of his ordinary
attacks, and so I came to your ladyship. He's such a ticklish
subject, you see, my lady! It's quite alarming to be left alone with
him. It's his heart; and you know, my lady--I should be sorry to
frighten you, but you know, Mr. Grant, a gentleman with that
complaint may go off any moment. I must go back to him now, my lady,
if you please."
Arctura turned and looked at Donal.
"We must be careful," he said.
"We must," she answered. "Just thereabout is one of the few places
in the house where you hear the music."
"And thereabout the music-chimney goes down! That is settled! But
why should my lord be frightened so?"
"I cannot tell. He is not like other people, you know."
"Where else is the music heard? You and your uncle seem to hear it
oftener than anyone else."
"In my own room. But we will talk to-morrow. Good night."
"I will remain here the rest of the evening," said Donal, "in case
Simmons might want me to help with his lordship."
It was well into the night, and he still sat reading in the library,
when Mrs. Brookes came to him. She had had to get his lordship "what
he ca'd a cat--something or ither, but was naething but mustard to
the soles o' 's feet to draw awa' the bluid.
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