"Though there's plenty of fire," said Martin, "I don't think there's a candle left in all the place; but I'll find one if I can."
He then went away, and the stranger alone remained, for no one else had followed so far but Clair, who had now gone to call his aunt.
"Can I do anything more for you?" said the stranger, in a voice trembling with emotion.
Mabel raised her eyes, and as they met his for an instant, a warm blush overspread her pale countenance.
"Bless you for what you have done," she murmured, despairingly.
"Water?" said Amy, opening her eyes.
Mabel turned entreatingly to the stranger, who, without another word, left the room.
Martin soon afterwards returned with a light, and placed it on the floor, and Mabel again entreated for water to moisten Amy's parched lips; but it was more difficult to obtain than she imagined, for the whole furniture of the house had been long since removed, and the empty cupboard looked comfortless indeed.
But, in a short while, the stranger returned, and presented her with a cup of pure water, which she eagerly gave to Amy.
"Thank you, sir," said Amy, gently, "and thank you for carrying me. Did you mind my crying? I felt very ill, and could not help it," she looked at him timidly. "Sir," she continued, rousing herself with an energy which surprised him, "Mabel will soon be alone. Do you think any one will comfort her, and take care of her?"