her up the path. Once she stumbled, her step was
so unsteady, and she would have fallen but for Jane's
assistance.

The two had now reached the hand-railing of the
porch. Here Martha's trembling foot began to feel
about for the step. Jane caught her in her arms.

"You're ill, Martha!" she cried in alarm. "Give
me the bag. What's the matter?"

Again Martha did not answer.

"Tell me what it is."

"Upstairs! Upstairs!" Martha gasped in reply.
Quick!"

"What has happened?"

"Not here; upstairs."

They climbed the staircase together, Jane half
carrying the fainting woman, her mind in a whirl.

"Where were you taken ill? Why did you try
to come home? Why didn't Lucy come with
you?"

They had reached the door of Jane's bedroom