226
WYLDER'S HAJVD.
"You've seer: him Larcom. Is he very much hurt?"
"He appears my Lord to me, I regret to say, almost a-
dying like."
"Very weak? Does he speak to you?"
"Not a word, my Lord. Since he got a little water
he's quite quiet."
"Poor fellow. Where have you put him?"
"In the housekeeper's lobby, my Lord. I rather think
he's-a-dying. He look's uncommon bad, and I and Mrs.
Esterbroke, the housekeeper, my Lord thought you would
not like hie should die out of doors."
"Has she got your mistress's directions?"
"Miss Brandon is not called up, my Lord, and Mrs.
Esterbroke is unwillin' to halarm her; so she thought it
better I should come for orders to your lordship; which
she thinks also the poor young gentleman is certainly a-
dying."
"Is there any vacant bedroom near where you have
placed him? What does Mrs. the housekeeper, say?"
"She thinks, my Lord, the room hopposit, where Mr.
Sledd, the architeck, slep, when 'ere, would answer very
nice. It is roomy and hairy, and no steps. Major Jack-
son, who is gone to the town to fetch the doctor, my Lord,
says Mr. Lake won't a-bear carriage; and so the room on
the level, my Lord, would, perhaps, be more convenient."
"Certainly; tell her so. I will speak to Miss Bran-
don when she comes down. How soon will the doctor be
here?"
"From a quarter to half an hour, my Lord."
"Then tell the housekeeper to arrange as she proposes.
and don't remove his clothes until the doctor comes.
Everyone must assist. I know, St. Ange, you'll like to
assist."
So Laroom withdrew ceremoniously and Lord Chel-