"Anthony!"
He was standing on the threshold of the drawing-room, and, as she cried out, he caught her in his arms.
"My beloved, what is it? What does it mean?"
But as he held her he felt the wet of her clothing, and he lifted her and carried her to the fire.
"Mariana, what does it mean?"
He was kneeling beside her, unfastening her shoes with nervous fingers. She opened her eyes and looked at him.
"I went out in the rain," she said. "I don't know why; I have forgotten. I believe I thought it was all a mistake. The blocks were very long." Then she clung to him, sobbing.
"Don't let me die!" she cried—"don't let me die!"
He raised her in his arms, and, crossing to the bell, rang it hastily. Then he went into the hall and up-stairs. On the landing he met the maid.
"Where is Mrs. Gore's room?" he asked, and, entering, laid her upon the hearth-rug. "She is ill," he went on. "She must be got to bed and warmed. Put mustard-plasters to her chest and rub her feet. I will get the doctor."