"There it is, Gerald, on the opposite side, just beyond the lamp-post."
"Come, then, come!"
They had scarcely started to cross the road when the street-door was opened, and the maiden sisters appeared on the threshold, peering up and down the street.
"Which is Emilia?" asked Leonard, grasping Gerald's arm, detaining him a moment.
"Neither. Let us go to them."
"It is hard to say to so devoted a lover," said Leonard, "but be a little prudent. Any appearance of violent haste might cause them to shut the door in our faces."
Thus advised Gerald curbed his impatience, and crossed the road in a more leisurely manner. The maiden sisters started back as the two gentlemen halted before them.
"I beg your pardon," said Leonard, raising his hat; Gerald was so agitated that he could scarcely speak; "but we have been directed here to see a young lady who was rescued from the fire last night, and who found a refuge in your hospitable house."
"We brought Miss Braham home with us," said the elder lady, "and are now in great distress about her. I presume you are friends of hers."
"We are her most devoted friends," said Leonard, "and have been searching for her the whole of the day. My name is Leonard Paget; this is my brother Gerald."