“Is my brother worse?” sobbed Linny hysterically.
“Yes, yes, my dear, I’m—I’m afraid so;” and as she spoke, a hand clutched mine, and I heard Miss Carr moan:
“God help me! Am I too late?”
Linny was already half up the first flight, when Miss Carr whispered to me in agonised tones:
“Take me to him, Antony, quick. This is no time for pride and shame.”
With my heart beating painfully, I led her upstairs, and, as we reached the first floor, we met the doctor coming down.
I felt Miss Carr’s hand pressing mine convulsively, and I spoke, my voice sounding hoarse and strange.
“Is he worse, doctor?”
“I’m afraid he cannot last many hours longer,” he said. “I have done all I can, but I have a patient a few streets off whom I must see, and I will return in a short time. He must not be left.”
“Shall I go in and try to prepare him for your coming?” I whispered to Miss Carr, as we stood outside his door.