Hugh had been sitting over some papers in his own room off the first landing. He overheard the announcement, and came into the hall.
"Your father has been struck by the lightning," said Greta.
"They will fetch him home," said Hugh.
At the next moment there was the sound from without of burdened footsteps. They were bearing the injured man. Through the back of the house they carried him to his room.
"That is for my sake," said Mrs. Ritson, raising her tear-stained face to listen.
Paul entered. His ruddy cheeks had grown ashy white. His eyes, that had blinked with pleasure a minute ago, now stared wide with fear.
"Is he alive?"
"Yes."
"Thank God! oh, thank God forever and ever! Let me go in to him."
"He is unconscious—he breathes—but no more."