"Fire! fire! fire!"
The ominous cry rang forth through the silence of the night, and instantly there was a response. Close to Beatrix's side a slight form glided swiftly through the thick black smoke, with red-hot tongues of flame licking hungrily at her as she passed. A hand caught Beatrix's arm, and a voice cried wildly:
"Child! child! where are you going?"
Beatrix turned to meet the frightened eyes of Sister Angela.
"I am going to Keith—to my husband," she answered, trying to calm her voice so that the sister could hear her above the roar of the flames. "Ah, there is Doctor Darrow! Doctor, save those poor people below, if possible!" she went on wildly.
"My work is here!"
Douglas Darrow came to her side, and taking her hand, raised it to his lips. There was a strange expression upon his face, and his lips moved slowly, as though he were speaking in a whisper; but the words reached her ears.
"God bless and help you!" he said, hastily; and then he moved rapidly away, and Beatrix threw open the door of her husband's chamber.
Over the threshold she darted to the bedside, and stooping, she shook the sleeping man with all her strength.
"Keith! Keith!" she cried, wildly. "Wake up, my darling! The house is on fire, and I have come to save you!"