The Children of Wilton Chase. Meade L. T.

shouted several voices, headed by Eric's.

      "Coming, Eric. Keep back, all of you. I'm talking to Ermie for a minute. Now, Ermie, quick. What is it?"

      "I want to go back to the house, without any one noticing. Help me to go back at once."

      "How can I help you! How queer you look."

      "O Maggie, it's so important! Don't question me. Only help me."

      "Poor Ermie, you do look in a state!"

      "And no one must know. Maggie, I did think you'd be clever enough to find an excuse for me. I trusted to you. Don't fail me, Maggie."

      "Let me think," said Marjorie. "You'll come back again?"

      "Yes, I won't be gone any time."

      "I'll fly across to nurse. Stay where you are – I'll be with you again in a minute."

      Marjorie ran across the hay-field, stooped down by old nurse's side, had a short and eager colloquy, and returned to Ermengarde.

      "Ermie, nurse wants those rusks which baby always has with his tea. She says you'll find the box in the nursery cupboard. Will you fetch them in a hurry? Baby is so hungry."

      "Oh, what nonsense!" said Basil, who had now come up. "The idea of sending Ermie! Where's the nursemaid?"

      "Alice went to the house with another message. You had better go, Ermengarde; nurse is in a hurry."

      "I don't mind going a bit," said Ermengarde. She looked ready to fly. Her lips were trembling.

      "You look as tired as anything now, Ermie," said Basil. "I'll go, if it comes to that. Where are those wretched rusks to be found, Maggie?"

      "You can't go, Basil. You are to light the fire for the gypsy tea."

      "It's lighting."

      "Well, it's going out again. I know it is; or the kettle is sure to boil over, or something. Do be on the spot, and let Ermie make herself useful for once in a way."

      Ermengarde ran off; the tension of her feelings would permit of no further delay. She heard Basil scolding Marjorie as she hurried across the hay-field. Ermengarde had never run so fast in her life. What should she find when she got back to that sitting-room. Would Susy be dead? If so – But her terrified thoughts would take her no further.