The earl came forward.
“What is it, Browne? Why are you so excited? What’s the matter?”
“Beg pardon, my lord,” said the man, agitatedly. “It’s murder; that’s what’s the matter!”
CHAPTER XXV.
FOR ANOTHER’S SAKE.
“Murder!” It is an awful word. No wonder that a shudder ran through the gayly dressed guests. Even Aunt Amelia may be excused for falling into hysterics, which, of course, she did instantly.
Lord Carfield stepped forward and held up his hand to the keeper, warningly; but the warning gesture came too late. Miss Amelia’s shrieks were ringing through the vaulted hall, and at the head of the stairs, looking down upon the scene of confusion and consternation, stood Olivia. Bessie was by her side with her traveling wrap over her arm, and instinctively she stretched out her hand and grasped her mistress’. So the two girls stood and waited.
“Now, my man,” said Lord Carfield, sternly, “if you haven’t taken leave of your senses, tell me what has happened.”
The keeper looked round, confused in his excitement by the crowd of anxious faces, and still more by the sight of the squire, who came forward and stood beside the earl.
“Shall we go in the library?” whispered Lord Carfield.
The squire shook his head and glanced round.