Sarah, who stood near her husband, wrung her hands, and rocking her body gently, sighed mournfully:
"Ai! all such a handsome gentleman to have such a misfortune happen to him."
"Such a fine young man, and he was going to marry such a beautiful young lady," said the wife of Raphael.
"And how will he be able to marry now, when he is ruined?" said Saul, and he added in a lower voice:
"A great sin has been committed in Israel!"
"A great shame has fallen to-day on Israel's head," said Raphael.
From a corner of the room where the glare penetrated least, came or rather crept forth Abraham. Bent almost in two, and trembling in every limb, he kissed his father's hand.
"Father," he said, "I thank you that you saved me from it."
Saul raised his head. The colour came back to his face, and energy gleamed in his eyes.
"Abraham," he said, in a commanding tone, "have your horses ready at once, and drive as quickly as you can to the estate where the young lord is staying. He cannot see the conflagration from there; drive quickly and tell him to come and save his property and his mother."