"Where? where?" She stumbled forwards across the big room and knocked against the bath filled with water. She stooped down and dashed her head in it, towel and all. What a relief she felt as she staggered forwards.
"Miss Grossman, where is Aunt Dove? Where are you?"
"In the wardrobe—we are suffocated! Help! help!"
"Come out quick." Toney seized another towel and dipped it in the bath. "We can still cross—at least I think so."
The big wardrobe opened, and as Miss Grossman crawled out Toney threw the wet towel over her; then Lady Dove emerged speechless from fear and smoke.
"Miss Grossman, why didn't you go down? I, think we can still do it."
"I ran in here, and then—Lady Dove would not follow me. Oh, the smoke—the window—open the window!"
"No, no, not yet, the draught—quick, oh, quick—Aunt Dove, take my arm. You have only your dressing-gown—take a blanket—Miss Grossman, run fast, we will follow." Miss Grossman was feeling the relief of the wet towel, she made a dash towards the door.
"Quick! Aunt Dove, follow me—I'll drag you, we have only just time."
"I can't, Antonia—don't leave me—oh, I can't breathe!"