"Let him take what he asked for!" exclaimed Lord Sandys, and as he spoke the Earl fell backwards on the churchyard steps.
It was perhaps but five minutes since he had first met them, but one since he had drawn his sword. None of them could have told how it had happened. He had rushed wantonly into the quarrel. They were quieted and startled to see him lying there.
He made an effort to laugh into their faces.
"Sandys is not to blame," he gasped.
One of them stooped and held him up. There was talk of a doctor, of assistance.
He shook his head.
"I'm done for. Get Sandys away."
He tried to drag himself to a sitting posture, coughed and groaned.
"Is he dying?" asked Lord Sandys, horrified.
"Yes." Rose Lyndwood answered, fighting for his breath. "Susannah—and there is Marius. Not much miss—the debts——"