be death to carry her hence, and if we spoke to her of this
terrible thing that is happening, the shock might bring back the
fever, and then, indeed, all would be lost."

The husband wrung his hands together in the utmost anxiety. Dinah
stood thinking deeply.

"My lord," she presently said, "it may come to this, that she will
have to be moved, risk or no risk. Should we not think about
whither to take her if it be needful?"

"Ay, verily; but where may that be? Who can know what place is
safe? And to transport her far would be certain death. She would
die on the road thither."

"That is very true, my lord," answered Dinah; "but it has come into
my mind that, perchance, my sister's house could receive her--that
house upon the bridge, which is now safe, and which can be in no
danger again, since all the city about it lies in ashes. By boat we
could transport her most gently of all; and tonight, upon the
rising tide, it might well be done, if the need should become more
pressing."

"A good thought! a happy thought indeed!" cried Lord Desborough.
"But art thou sure that thy good kinsmen will have room within
their walls? They may have befriended so many."

"That is like enow," answered Dinah; "I have thought of that
myself. My lord, methinks it would be a good plan for you to take
boat now, at once, taking the maid Janet with you as a guide and
spokeswoman. She will take you to her father's house and explain
all; and then her father and brothers will come back with you, if
need presses more sorely, and help us to transport thither the poor
lady. I will sit by her the while, and by plying her with cordials
and such food as she can swallow, strive to feed her feeble
strength; and if the flames seem coming nearer and nearer, I will
make shift to dress her in such warm and easy garments as are best
suited to the journey she may have to take. And I will trust to you
to be back to save us ere the danger be over great."

"That I will! that I will!" cried the eager husband. "The plan is
an excellent one! I will lose not a moment in acting upon it. I
like not the look of yon sky. I fear me there will be no staying
the raging of the flames. I will lose not a minute. Bid the girl be
ready, and we will forth at once. We will take boat at Baynard's
Castle, and be back again ere two hours have passed!"

Janet was delighted with the plan. She was restless and nervous
here, and anxiously eager to know what had befallen her own p