CHAPTER XVII.
SOME STARTLING DISCOVERIES.
Of course the attention of all centered at once upon Lady Linton, and Sir William’s interest in his beautiful but unknown daughter was, for the time, merged in his anxiety for his sister.
As it happened, there was no one else in the room just then, and Rupert and his guardian laid the apparently unconscious woman upon a lounge that was standing near, and immediately exerted themselves for her recovery.
Virgie, too, was very helpful, dipping her own dainty handkerchief into some water that Rupert brought, and bathing Lady Linton’s face with it, while she gave directions to Sir William about chafing her hands to assist in restoring circulation.
When the woman began to show signs of recovery and opened her eyes, she found herself looking directly into the face of the lovely girl whose presence there had caused her so much concern.
“Where is my brother?” she demanded, jerking her head away from the gentle hand that was ministering so tenderly to her.
“I am here, Miriam,” said Sir William, bending over her. “What shall I do for you?”
“Take me home,” she replied, with a shiver, as she glanced darkly at Virgie, who had drawn back and was standing beside Rupert.
“I will, as soon as you are able,” her brother replied.
“I am able now,” and she sat up with surprising energy for one who but a few moments before had appeared so seriously ill.