Page:The Cottagers of Glenburnie - Hamilton (1808).djvu/105

 dragging Lady Charlotte half asleep after me, I hastened to the stairs: the smoke came from above, so that as we went down, we breathed more freely, and reached my lady's room in an instant. The door was unbolted—it was no time for ceremony—I rushed in; but, mindful of my lady's situation, I spoke as calmly as in such circumstances was possible. I intreated them instantly to rise, but did not wait to say more; for, seeing the smoke increase, I hastened on with the children, crying out "fire!" to alarm the servants above and below.

The housekeeper was the first to hear me: to her I left the children, and again flew up stairs. I met my lord, carrying my lady in his arms, and calling out for help; but I did not stop, for I knew they were in safety.

I was soon at the foot of the nursery stairs. But oh! what a smoke had I then to pass through! how I got through it, God only knows; for it was his Almighty