A servant came through the hall, and rushed toward his master.
"Sir Noel, they are waiting for you in the small drawing-room."
The baronet hesitated. His lips were striving to frame a question which the man read in the wild eyes fixed on his.
"He is alive, Sir Noel. I know that."
The father drew a deep, deep breath. The claw of some fierce bird of prey seemed loosened from his heart; a flood of gentle pity for the fair girl, who dared not even look her anxiety, detained him another moment.
"Go into the library. I will bring you news," he said.
CHAPTER XXIII.
BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH.
LADY ROSE watched the master and servant as they went into the hall; then, gliding through one of the open windows, stole into the library, where she walked up and down, up and down, until it seemed as if she had travelled leagues on leagues, but could not stop.