know any one was there. He stood
with his face turned to the wintery sunshine, and his grand
massive-looking head bowed a little. The next moment Pierre jumped up
and licked his hands, and tried to put his huge paws on his shoulder,
whining with delight. Mr. Ferrers started slightly. "Why, Pierre, my
fine fellow, I ought to know that rough greeting of yours by this
time; it is a long time since you have called at the Grange; whom have
you brought with you, Pierre?" stroking the dog's noble head.

Erle came forward at once. "My cousin, Lady Redmond, has met with
rather an awkward accident in one of the lanes--she has sprained her
ankle, and is in great pain; may I lift her on that comfortable
oak-settle by the hall fire while I go in search of help. I am Sir
Hugh's cousin, Erle Huntingdon."

"Lady Redmond," ejaculated Mr. Ferrers; and Fay wondered at the sudden
shadow that passed over her host's fine face. "Oh, yes, bring her in,
Mr. Huntingdon, but we must find a softer couch than the oak-settle.
Margaret--where are you, Margaret?" and the next moment a clear,
pleasant voice answered, "I am here, Raby;" and a tall,
graceful-looking woman, with dead-brown hair and calm beautiful face,
crossed the long hall. Fay seemed to see her coming through a sort of
haze, and she put out her hands involuntarily; Margaret's voice
changed as she took them. "Ah, poor child, she is faint. Will you
bring her into my morning-room, Mr. Huntingdon, there is an easy couch
there, and a nice fire;" and Margaret led the way to a pleasant room
with an old-fashioned bay window overlooking the sunny lawn and
yew-tree walk; and then took off the little sealskin hat with hands
that trembled slightly, and laid the pretty head with its softly
ruffled hair on the cushions, and then put some wine to Fay's lips.
Fay roused herself and drank some obediently, and a little color came
back to her face. "It is my foot, the boot hurts it so," she said,
faintly.

"Yes, because it is so swelled," returned Miss Ferrers, in a
sympathizing voice. "Mr. Huntingdon, if you will ring the bell I will
ask my maid for some hot water. I think that will relieve Lady
Redmond; and if you will kindly join my brother, you will find him
outside. Ruth and I will soon make your cousin more comfortable;" and
Erle at once took the hint.

The dainty little boot was sadly mangled before they could get it off,
and Miss Ferrers uttered a pitying exclamation at the sight of the
infl