It was a very hot day, and in the cool of the evening the two Johns
beguiled Mrs. Brownlow and Babie into a walk. They had only just
come home when there was a hurried peal at the bell, and Armine,
quite pale, dashed up stairs after them.
"Mother, come directly! I've got a hansom."
"Fordham?" asked John.
Armine sighed an affirmative.
"Allen sent me for mother. He said one of you had better come. It's
a blood-vessel. We have sent for Medlicott, and telegraphed for the
others. But oh! they are so far off!"
Mrs. Brownlow gave Barbara one kiss, and put her into Jock's arms,
then sprang into the cab, followed by John, and was driven off. The
other three walked in the same direction, almost unconsciously, as
Armine explained more fully.
Fordham had seemed tired at first, but as it became cooler, had
roused himself, seated himself at his writing-table, and made one by
one the inscriptions in the volumes, including all their party of
travellers, even Janet and Bobus; Reeves, who had been their binder,
Mrs. Evelyn's maid, and one or two intimate friends-—such as Mr.
Ogilvie and his sister-—and almost all had some kind little motto or
special allusion written below the name, and the date. It had thus
taken a long time, and Fordham leant back so weary that Allen wanted
him to leave the addressing of the books, when wrapped up, to him and
Armine; but he said there were some he wished to direct himself, and
he was in the act of asking Bobus' right address, when a cough seized
him, and Allen instantly saw cause to ring for Reeves.
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