catching his excited friend by the arm.

"Do!" exclaimed Sir Norman, in a high key. "Can't you see that
for yourself! And I'm going to have that girl cured of the
plague, if there is such a thing as a doctor to be had for love
or money in London."

"You had better have her taken to the pest house at once, then;
there are chirurgeons and nurses enough there."

"To the pest-house! Why man, I might as well have her thrown
into the plague-pit there, at once! Not I! I shall have her
taken to my own house, and there properly cared for, and this
good fellow will drive her there instantly."

Sir Norman backed this insinuation by putting a broad gold-piece
into the driver's hand, which instantly produced a magical effect
on his rather surly countenance.

"Certainly, sir," he began, springing into his seat with
alacrity. "Where shall I drive the young lady to?"

"Follow me," said Sir Norman. "Come along, Ormiston." And
seizing his friend by the arm, he hurried along with a velocity
rather uncomfortable, considering they both wore cloaks, and the
night was excessively sultry. The gloomy vehicle and its
fainting burden followed close behind.

"What do you mean to do with her?" asked Ormiston, as soon as he
found breath enough to speak.