When they gained his door he had to be almost carried up the steps, and Mr. Vosburgh rang the bell furiously.
Only a moment or two elapsed before the scared face of Thomas appeared, but as Merwyn crossed the threshold he fainted.
They carried him to his room, and then Mr. Vosburgh said, "Bring a physician and lose not a second. Say it is a case of life and death. Hold! first bring me some brandy."
"Oh, oh!" Marian moaned, "I fear it's death! O papa he gave his life for you."
"No, no," was the hoarse response; "it cannot, shall not be. It's only a wound, and he has fainted from loss of blood. Show your nerve now. Moisten his lips with brandy. You, Riten, chafe his wrists with it, while I cut open his shirt and stanch the wound."
A second more and a terrible gash on Merwyn's breast was revealed.
How deep it was they could not know.
Marian held out her handkerchief, and it was first used to stop the flow of blood. When it was taken away she put it in her bosom.
The old servant, Margy, now rushed in with lamentations.
"Hush!" said Mr. Vosburgh, sternly. "Chafe that other wrist with brandy."
But the swoon was prolonged, and Marian, pallid to her lips, sighed and moaned as she did her father's bidding.