They passed into the broad hall, where they were met by Mrs. Winans' privileged attendant, Norah, who had nursed all her children.
"Norah! Norah! has Precious come home?" cried her mistress anxiously.
The woman stared in surprise at the question.
"No, madam, she is not here. I thought she was to come back with you! Why, what ails you that you look so pale and wild? Oh, she is fainting! Help! help! we must carry her to her room!"
They bore the limp figure upstairs, and laid it on the bed. Ethel knelt by her, weeping.
"Mamma, dear mamma, speak to me! Oh, Norah, why does she lie still so long? Is she dead?"
"No, it's only a swoon. I've brought her safely through many like it, poor dear. But tell me what has happened, Miss Ethel? Where is your father and your sister, my little nursling?"
Ethel told her briefly what had happened, adding:
"Papa sent us home and remained, to search for Precious."