“I am sorry for you, dear; I really am.”
“Oh, please, please speak! Is anything—anything wrong with father?”
“I hope nothing serious.”
“Ah! I knew it,” said Nora; “there is something wrong.”
“He has had an accident.”
“An accident? An accident? Oh, what? Oh! it's Andy; it must be Andy. Oh, Aunt Grace, I shall go mad; I shall go mad!”
Mrs. Hartrick did not speak. Then she looked at Linda. She motioned to Linda to leave the room. Linda, however, had no idea of stirring. She was too much interested; she looked at Nora as if she thought her really mad.
“Tell me—tell me; is father killed?”
“No, no, my poor child; no, no. Do calm yourself, Nora. I will let you see the telegram; then you will know all that I know.”
“Oh, please, please!”