He spoke in a tone of authority required by the emergency, and Rose obeyed without question. Her terror gave place to confidence in Fred. Her prompt obedience saved her life. A minute's delay, and it would have been too late.
There was a wild rush to the stage. First among those to reach Fred and the little girl was Mr. Wainwright. He had seen his daughter's peril, and for a moment he had been spellbound, his limbs refusing to act. Had Fred been affected in the same way, the life of Rose would have been sacrificed.
"Are you much hurt, my darling?" he asked, sick with apprehension.
"Just a little, papa," answered Rose, cheerfully. "If it hadn't been for Fred, I don't know what would have happened."
The coat was carefully removed, and it was found that the chief damage had been to the white dress. The little girl's injuries were of small account.
Fortunately there was a physician present, who took Rose in hand, and did what was needed to relieve her.
"It is a miracle that she was saved, Mr. Wainwright," he said. "But for this brave boy——"
"Hush, doctor, I cannot bear to think of it," said Mr. Wainwright with a shudder. "I can never forget what you have done for me and mine," he added, turning to Fred, and wringing his hand. "I won't speak of it now, but I shall always remember it."
Fred blushed and tried to escape notice, but the guests surrounded him and overwhelmed him with congratulations. One little girl, the intimate friend of Rose, even threw her arms round his neck and kissed him, which caused Fred to blush more furiously then ever. But upon the whole he bore himself so modestly that he won golden opinions from all.
The incident put an end to the party. As soon as it was understood that Rose was in no danger, the guests began to take their leave.