"Maurice, save me, help me!" cried a voice of fear and agony, and
before anyone could reach her, before he himself knew how the deed was
done, Treherne had thrown himself from his chair, wrapped the tiger
skin tightly about her, and knelt there clasping her in his arms
heedless of fire, pain, or the incoherent expressions of love that
broke from his lips.




Chapter VI


MIRACLES

Great was the confusion and alarm which reigned for many minutes, but
when the panic subsided two miracles appeared. Octavia was entirely
uninjured, and Treherne was standing on his feet, a thing which for
months he had not done without crutches. In the excitement of the
moment, no one observed the wonder; all were crowding about the girl,
who, pale and breathless but now self-possessed, was the first to
exclaim, pointing to her cousin, who had drawn himself up, with the
help of his chair, and leaned there smiling, with a face full of
intense delight.

"Look at Maurice! Oh, Jasper, help him or he'll fall!"

Sir Jasper sprung to his side and put a strong arm about him, while a
chorus of wonder, sympathy, and congratulations rose about them.