"Do not leave me, Mabel dear—I shall die if you do."
"Leave you, my darling," cried Mabel, "nothing but death shall part us."
"If you had waited but a moment, I would have brought her to you," said the stranger.
"Oh, why did you think of me first," cried Mabel.
"'Twas wrong, perhaps," said the stranger; "but it made only the difference of a few moments. Come, my child," said he, stooping to lift her from her couch.
"No, no," said Mabel, "you must take couch and all. Oh!" said she, wringing her hands, "will no one come and help you?"
"I am not afraid of fire," said a gruff voice, and Martin entered; "I'll help, but you must make haste."
"But my Mamma, where is she?" exclaimed Mabel.
"She is safe, and the two servants are with her."