She read the letter twice, and then stood white and rigid. Had this anything to do with Lady Annesley’s visit? What tragedy had been committed?
“Nina,” she said, “Sir Harold is dying. He has sent for me. You must help me dress at once! I am going to him. Fetch my hat and cloak. That is all I shall want.”
“My lady, must I accompany you?” the maid asked, after rapidly obeying the order.
“No, Nina; I do not see the necessity for it. I may have to remain all night. Oh, merciful Heavens! How disaster follows upon the heels of disaster!”
In a few minutes she was ready, and Nina followed her to the door.
“How dark it is, my lady!” she said.
A huge figure loomed forward, and a man’s voice said:
“The kerridge is here, my lady. I ain’t had no time, your ladyship, to light my lamps; in fact, the order came so sudden that I clean forgot ’em.”
“Lead the way,” commanded Lady Elaine.
The man obeyed, and she saw a four-wheeled cab harnessed to a powerful horse.