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268 own hands, and tried the effect of a little judicious scolding. The effect was most salutary; and, amid starts and screams—for the poor girl was fairly frightened out of the small portion of sense that, at any time, belonged to her—they learned that Lord Marchmont had been found dead in his bed; and that Lady Marchmont was, with the shock, in a state of almost insanity! "We can do nothing with her! she won't even let me put up her hair under a cap!" said Madame Cecile. Ethel wrung her hands in dismay; but instantly recovering, exclaimed, "Oh, let me go to her at once! may I not, dear madam?" Mrs. Churchill gave consent without hesitation; and a chair being sent for immediately, Ethel hurried as fast as she could to Marchmont House. All was in that confusion which follows any sudden calamity: the servants were hurrying in all directions, apparently for no other purpose than that of getting in each other's way. As she went up stairs, a succession of frightful screams made her hurry