Dolly tried to speak, but some sudden tears seemed to choke her, and Lady Sarah stroked her hand.
'Try to be a thankful woman, Dolly,' she said. 'God has blessed you and given you love and trust in others. I see now where I failed.' Then, in her usual tone, she said, 'I should like to see Frank Raban again.'
Dolly was beginning to say that she would go for him, when Lady Sarah suddenly cried,—'Open the window wide! open! let the river come in.'
Dolly, frightened, threw open the pane, and, as she did so, some evening bell began to ring from a distant chapel, and a great flight of birds passed across the sky.
The next minute Frank from the terrace below heard a cry. It was Dolly calling for help.
'I am here,' he answered, and, without waiting to think, he sprang up the old oak staircase, and hurried along the passage to the door of Lady Sarah's room.
It was all dark in the passage, but the sun was in the room. Dolly was holding up her aunt in her arms; her strength seemed to be failing. Frank sprang to help her, and together they raised her up. A little soft breeze came in at the window, and Lady Sarah opened her eyes. She was still wandering.
'Is this George?' she said. 'I have been waiting for you, dear.'
Then she seemed to recognise Frank, and she let his hand fall upon his sleeve.
'Ah! he will take care of Dolly,' she whispered, 'for this is——'