Page:The Cottagers of Glenburnie - Hamilton (1808).djvu/108

 for life would be my portion. But the thoughts of having been instrumental in saving the lives of the family, was a cordial which kept up my heart. Still, however, I was very anxious to learn all the particulars of the sad disaster. The nurse who took care of me, would tell me nothing. It was of no use to ask the surgeons; for they only desired me to keep myself quiet, and to give myself no anxiety.

In a few days the housekeeper came to see me, and though she resolved to be extremely cautious, she could not resist the temptation of being the first to tell me all.

"I was scarcely in my senses with fright," said she, "but flew, as you desired me, to awaken the servants. And men and women were all up in a minute, some flying one way, and some another, till my lord brought them all to order by his commanding voice. He sent one to alarm the neighbours; one for the fire engines; and