Lady Isabel was returning from her accustomed housekeeping morning visit to Mrs. Dixon, when she was startled by the sharp outcry of an electric bell.
"Dick's room!" she said to herself, beginning to hurry; she hardly knew why.
A housemaid ran down the long passage in front of her, flying to the summons. Through the open door of the dining-room Lady Isabel saw Christian giving the dogs their breakfast.
"Papa's bell is ringing, dear," said Lady Isabel, breathing hard.
"I heard someone go up to his room just now," said Christian, languidly; "I haven't seen him this morning; I was in the yard with the dogs——"
Someone came down the stairs, headlong, two steps at a time. Larry's voice shouted:
"Christian! Cousin Isabel! Anyone——!"
There was urgency and alarm in the voice.
Lady Isabel and Christian were in the hall in an instant, and met Larry at the foot of the stairs.