Like a wild thing he entered the drawing-room, and all the ladies gathered round him, pale with terror.
"He's killed," cried Johnny, out of breath.
"Who is killed?" said Lady Florence. "Who, Johnny?"
"I am sure I didn't ask. One is; I saw them carrying him."
"You careless boy," said Lady Arranmore. "Oh! I hope it is not true! Here's some one who will tell us. Oh! Captain Wilson, who fell?"
"Musgrave, of course, Lady Arranmore."
"But is he dead? Oh say no," said Lady Florence, trembling with excitement and fear.
"Did you ever hear of a man living with an ounce of lead through his brains, Lady Florence? No, no; Richard of Musgrave breathes no more! The Captain will have to fly the country. Ah! here he comes."
As he spoke the Captain, accompanied by Scroop, both booted and spurred, entered the room.
"Oh! John, how could you?"