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 and trying to force brandy between her lips. Nor do I know which was the whiter of the two—my master or the dead girl who had befriended him.

"Oh, for God's sake do something, doctor!" said he. "’Tis the sweetest creature in the world to die like this! Ye'll not tell me that there's no hope!"

But the doctor said nothing. He was listening for a beat of the heart—a thing I was sure he would never hear. Five minutes, perhaps, he bent over the little figure of the woman whose laughter had been music to every soul she knew. Then he rose like a man who has done all possible.

"I come too late," he said; "your friend is dead from laudanum poisoning."

A quick glance round the room gave strength to his words. There was a blue bottle upon the table, and a letter by it. The doctor picked up the bottle and smelt it; Sir Nicholas took the letter and read it.

"Pat [it said], take my picture for the love of auld lang syne; take it as I lie when you will see me, and send it to the man whose address is here. I can do no more for him. God bless all who have done me any kindness!"

My master shuddered.

"God forgive any one that ever did harm to so sweet a woman," said he.