was melodious and her touch gentle. I could appreciate her skill,
for I was never far from my daughter's side during that anxious
day. Mrs. Forrester came at the critical hours, but declared
herself very sanguine from the first.

"Night fell; the child was sleeping and Jane Bond arrived to
relieve the other about ten o'clock. Then the lady retired,
directed that she should be called at seven o'clock, or at any
moment sooner, if Jane wanted her. I sat with Jane I remember
until two, and then turned in myself. Before I did so, Mary drank
some milk and seemed to be holding her strength well. I was worn
out, and despite my anxiety fell into deep sleep, and did not wake
until my man called me half an hour earlier than usual. What he
told me brought me quickly to my senses and out of bed. Nurse
Forrester had been called at seven o'clock, but had not responded.
Nor could the maid open the door, for it was locked. A quarter
of an hour later the housekeeper and Jane Bond had loudly summoned
her without receiving any reply. Then they called me.

"I could only direct that the door should be forced open as speedily
as possible, and we were engaged in this task when Mannering, my
medical man, who shot with us to-day, arrived to see Mary. I told
him what had happened. He went in to look at my girl, and felt
satisfied that she was holding her own well--indeed, he thought
her stronger; and just as he told me so the door into the Grey Room
yielded. Mannering and my housekeeper, Mrs. Forbes, entered the
room, while Masters, Fred Caunter, my footman, who had broken down
the lock, and I remained outside.

"The doctor presently called me, and I went in. Nurse Forrester was