is only come to tell us that the house is on fire," said Mrs. Hopkinson, with a sudden accession of cheerfulness. "I should not mind that, anything is better than robbers. Oh, John, now don't put your head out so far, those ticket-of-leave men fire in all directions. And do keep calling out, Thomas and John, and I will answer with a gruff voice," said poor Mrs. Hopkinson, who was so terrified her whisper could scarcely be heard.
"My dear," said John, withdrawing his head, "there is nothing to be alarmed at, it is Lord Chester; Lady Chester is taken ill, and he wants you to go to her."
"And so that is all," said Mrs. Hopkinson, instantly beginning to dress. "Ah, poor soul! of course I will. Well now, this is neighbourly of them; and I take it very kindly their sending for me. Why, they are two babies themselves, and they can't know what to do with a third."
And so when Lord Chester met her with the humblest apologies, he found her in a warm fit of gratitude for having been called
